Instrumental Music Education

Book excerpt: Instrumental Music Education: Teaching with the Theoretical and Practical in Harmony, Fourth Edition, is intended for college instrumental music education majors studying to be band and orchestra directors at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Its fundamental goal is to prepare music teachers for the real world, looking at the topics vital to running a successful instrumental music program, while balancing musical, theoretical, and practical approaches. A central theme is the compelling parallel between language and music, including "sound-to-symbol" pedagogies. Understanding this connection improves the teaching of melody, rhythm, composition, and improvisation. Unique to this book is its research-based approach; its overview of a variety of educational sites is more extensive than any similar resource. Its accompanying Instructor and Student Resources include over 120 videos filmed with high school, college, and community concert, pedagogy videos for all wind and string instruments, presented by professional players and teachers. New to this edition: A section on social emotional learning (SEL) An introduction to culturally responsive teaching Additional discussion of teaching composition, improvisation, and creativity Expanded discussion of the advantages, challenges, and philosophies surrounding teaching ensembles other than band and orchestra Many updates and additions throughout the text Offering best practices rooted in experience and clear, balanced coverage of pedagogical, philosophical, and administrative issues, this textbook effectively prepares future band and orchestra instructors to teach at all levels.