Teaching Music in Secondary Schools: A Reader (Ou Flexible Pgce Series)

Book Description

As Gary Spruce puts it himself: if this book were to have a subtitle it would be 'Ways of Thinking About Music'. Our conception of what music is is a crucial factor in defining what we consider important subject knowledge to be, and by implication affects how we design our curriculum, what we teach and the way we teach it. Through this reader, student teachers and practicing teachers will be introduced to the big issues and ideas abounding in music teaching today.

Learning to Teach Music in the Secondary School (Learning to Teach Subjects in the Secondary School)

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Learning to Teach Music in the Secondary School (Learning to Teach Subjects in the Secondary School)
Chris Philpott
Manufacturer: RoutledgeFalmer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0415158338

Book Description

How can music be taught musically? Topics covered include: the place of music in the curriculum; the mature of musical learning; planning, managing and assessing musical learning; school examinations and music; music outside of the curriculum. One of the main premises of the book is that music needs to be taught 'musically', with specific reference to both the nature of music itself and its metaphorical significance. It is important that music itself guides what goes on in the music classroom if we are to motivate our pupils and help them to fulfil their potential as musicians.

Seven Days of Possibilities: One Teacher, 24 Kids, and the Music That Changed Their Lives Forever

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I don't agree...
From Finland's insularity to New York's multi-kulti chaos
MASTER THE POSSIBILITIES...
A Pleasurable Surprise
An Incredible Story--and much more

Seven Days of Possibilities: One Teacher, 24 Kids, and the Music That Changed Their Lives Forever
Anemona Hartocollis
Manufacturer: PublicAffairs
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1586481967

Book Description

The inspirational true story of one plucky young teacher, whose passion for her students transformed their lives--some for only seven days, others for a lifetime.

Johanna Grussner arrived in New York City starry-eyed. She was a young Finnish jazz singer looking for the big time. But it was hard to find steady gigs. Propelled by pluck, determination, and a smidgen of desperation, she obtained a job teaching music at P.S. 86, a public school in the Bronx. At first, it was just to pay the bills. But over the course of several years, Johanna formed an intense, transformative connection with her students. She helped turn them from tough, angry, street-smart city kids into a disciplined, technically proficient, soaringly beautiful gospel chorus.

Johanna came to identify so strongly with her students that she eventually took them to her hometown in rural Finland, to meet her family and friends, to perform in a gospel concert, and to show them what an alternate childhood-one of tiny schools, quiet classrooms, fresh air, wholesome meals, and endless music-could be like.

Seven Days of Possibilities offers an inside look at the politics, history, and complex personal relationships that govern one typical New York City public school. But more importantly, it is the story of how one person can make a difference against those odds, rising above corruption, indifference and regimentation with hope, music, and love.

Customer Reviews:

I don't agree..........2006-01-29

I read this book twice and I was extremely upset over the false accusations that I read. I have seen the dedication, devotion and love that the staff displays to the children. Also, as a mother, I send my child to this school because of the wonderful reputation that follows this school. Please note that the teachers work afterschool, Saturdays and even vacations so that the students have an opportunity to succeed in school. I find it totally inappropriate for someone who only saw a snapshot of the school and community to make all these assumptions without really seeeing what goes on. The children and parents of the community feel welcomed when they enter the building. They address the inner child not the outer with a paid vacation. I find it apalling to read all the criticism that the author and main character state about the school. You cannot compare the customs of one country with another. You can't use one vacation with the students as a basis for all the lies that were written. This book is poorly written.

From Finland's insularity to New York's multi-kulti chaos.......2004-10-18

I read this book with great interest after having lived eight months myself in Finland back in the mid-1980's. My own upbringing in San Francisco in the 60's/70's was only in the Catholic school system, which had a hodgepodge of first-generation European kids, mostly Irish, Italian, some French and Polish, but all with strong ethnic identities at home.

In Finland, poverty has haunted the people's memories for generations, going hundreds of years back under Swedish and Russian rule. The recent prosperity of the post-war years is a novelty for most, unless they were born in the 1970's and beyond. In this story, a girl from above-average priviledged rank in Aland, a Swedish-speaking (therefore, snobbier than the rest of Finland) island. Johanna grows up thinking herself better than others, and is heavily insulated from the rigors of life outside Aland, or outside Finland, good God. I disagree with Johanna's statement, through the journalist/narrator's words, that the Finns have a long-standing love of American black-sung blues. The Finns are much more lovers of classical music, their own mournful melodies and folk songs, and for dancing, there's always been the Finnish tango, waltz and polka, surplanted in the 50's by American rock. American Negro music was an underground taste, as it was in Russia, Germany, etc., due to its unsavory lyrics and lewd allusions. Young people in rebellion and city people in degenerate lives gravitated to it. The bulk of the Finnish population would have subconsciously spurned it, or found it an odd, interesting subculture from that big, fat, rich, white country over there, that USA, that land of immigration where Finnish ancestors fled from their poverty.

If Johanna set out to become a jazz blues singer, she was already setting herself apart from the bulk of the population. A girl of her standing would normally attend a nursing, teaching or medical school, and strive for status in the community through the standard channels of higher education. Diplomas and degrees mean a very, very, very great deal in Scandanavia. Even those graduates who don't find work commensurate with their diplomas, who in fact are unemployed for years, are held in high regard, regardless! In AMerica, such lazing about would indeed bring derision, all the more when the person had education.

I met many such young women in Finland, for they would gravitate naturally to me, a foreigner from wild and crazy San Francisco. Their fantasies about a free and easy life, far from the rigors of old-fashioned Finnish values and endless judgments, would run riot in their conversations with me. They would juggle anything, take any parental or governmental help they could, to spend years abroad away from the stifling, highly academic expectations of their families and communities. Those with money, such as Johanna with generous, tolerant and well-off parents, found their way to places like NYC to study music, even such socially approbrated sytles such as jazz singing. Those from her island would certainly think she is going through a young-years fling with foreign ideas, but that she would certainly come back when the economic crunch hit her after school years.

So sure enough, here is the book about her economic struggles. If anything this story could be said to be, from Johanna's pooint of view, it was 1. to escape Aland and Finnish restrictions; and 2. to earn enough abroad to avoid going home. Her signing up for teaching a bunch of kids from the lower classes was just a fling, a slumming. She knew her parents would be able to take her back in a flash and pay all her medical bills. She was subsisting on that teacher's salary, knowing well she was no more fit to survive in the NYC than these minorities stuck in the Bronx on low wages.

In Finland, with a quiet village school, and a strict, homogenous school culture, the children naturally are obedient and diligent. They are not in need of constant berating, since the whole of Scandanavia raises their children to be quiet, self-effacing, and considerate of others. Meanwhile, back in the Bronx, no matter what infusion of money, teachers, materials and high-minded dreams like Johanna, no matter how many free lunches, new playgrounds, sports uniforms or new buildings, the children themselves cannot succeed because their parents come from anti-intellectual cultures. Their parents value pleasure in the moment, workaday jobs immediately after high school graduation. They're not interested in their children's long-pleasure-deferring climb through university and professional schools. Especially girls are expected to fall straight into sex-related disasters, namely pregnancy, possibly prostitution. These cultures are more primitive and much more lenient. AS the narrator insists, the parents love their children and would give them anything in their power to help them.

However, what do the Bronx Latino and Black parents want to give their children? Discipline, academics and a strong respect for academics and career? Or do they want to give them pleasures of the moment, new clothes, and rollercoaster-type thrills?

There is a reason that Scandanavian children, regardless of relative income status, do well in the world. They were for generations poor, but very hard-working, serious-minded, religious in a Protestant direction, and respectful of others. They believe in SISU, the Finnish word meaning "endurance", not buckling in to obstacles. A Finn is not raised to think that, because his job pays low wages when he is young, that he should turn to drug dealing so he can get the car, the chicks and other thrills unavailable to low income people. Have a look around the USA: do Scandanavian children of last generation fall into such despicable lifestyles? NO, the parents would never allow it, even if they can only afford one pair of shoes for the kid.

If anything this book will illustrate to a reader, it is the great contrast in culture between Finland and the lower-class New Yorkers from the black and Latino cultures. The actual income is not the point, so much as the total disregard for academics and self-control that these cultures breed in children.

IT may be a curse to be born black in America, as it was a curse to be a Finn under the Swedes for generations, but the amount of violence and self-destruction amongst the blacks is clearly not just the doing of others in the USA, themselves immigrants from Europe.

Johanna Grussner, semi-idealistic Finnish singer, knew well that it is not a question what she brings from her Protestant and strict country. If the children themselves go home each night to a lowbrow, victimologized home culture (let's not even bring up the lack of fathers in the houses, since that's just part of the self-desctructive black and Latin culture), no amount of exposure to higher values and self-discipline for a few hours of school time will help them.

Amusing book!!! I would say that Johanna's quest to inject black American values into her home country through its "poor ol' me" spirituals may backfire if her own children think of themselves as victims in the next generation. When they refuse to study, rebel, get pregnant, take drugs and kill each other, because they think that it is the only way to "deal with life", God help Scandanavia, contaminated in such a way.

MASTER THE POSSIBILITIES..........2004-10-10

This is an exceptionally well-written work of non-fiction. The author, a noted columnist and reporter for the New York Times, distinguishes herself further with this book, which is her first. Writing with all the assurance and polish of a first class investigative reporter, the author, having covered education for five years for the New York Times, is in her element with the subject matter of this book.

The book focuses on Johanna Grussner, a young Finnish woman, whose love for music took her from her native Aland Islands, an archipelago in the Baltic Sea located between the coasts of Finland and Sweden, to the United States, ultimately landing her in New York City. While furthering her quest to become a professional jazz singer, happenstance found her working as a music teacher in the Bronx at P.S. 86. There, in an inner city school that was run like a tight ship by its principal, a man who cared deeply for the school in his own rigid, uncompromising way, she was to defy all odds and make an impact that many will remember for years to come.

Ms. Grussner would demonstrate to all what a determined, though idealistic, person can do to bring joy into the lives of children who may have their options for such limited by their own personal circumstances, as well as by a society that looks to pigeonhole students as if one size does, indeed, fit all. The author grounds Ms. Grussner's efforts to form a school choir in the context of the political and racial milieu of the New York City public school system, replete with all the political chicanery and requisite skullduggery involved in the running of a school in such an environment.

The author's narrative is seamless and unsentimental, letting the strength of the story itself soar, rewarding the reader with a richness of detail about the school and those involved in its day to day activities. She provides the reader with three dimensional portraits of those who contributed to the seven days of possibilities, whereby twenty-four of Ms. Grussner's most musically gifted students traveled with her to her hometown in order to perform in a gospel concert. There, they discover that music is a universal language, and the week spent in the Aland Islands would be one that would long linger in their collective memories.

This is truly an excellent book, beautifully written and immensely readable. It is a book that will keep the reader turning its pages until the very last one is turned. Bravo!

A Pleasurable Surprise.......2004-07-15

I approached this book with some trepedation, worried that it might be just another pat, feel-good story. What a surprise and pleasure to find myself immersed in an enaging, memorable read, filled with characters who came alive and stayed with me. It was also a carefully wraught cautionary tale of all that's not right (and a bit that is) in inner-city public schools. I've since recommended it to friends and colleagues, all of whom have shared my enthusiasm.

An Incredible Story--and much more.......2004-07-05

In this beautifully written and very moving book, Ms. Hartocollis not only tells the story of a young woman from Finland who, through her character, talent, and personality affected many children--and others--in a short time; she also, with a talent that many novelists would envy, captures inexorable human conflicts that, despite good instincts, can poison even the closest relationships. Anyone who cares about education, anyone who wants to be a teacher, and most of all, anyone who's looking for a great story about the most interesting people in the world--real people--should not miss this book.

Discovering Music: Developing Music Curriculum in Secondary Schools

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Discovering Music: Developing Music Curriculum in Secondary Schools
Keith Swanwick , and Dorothy Taylor
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Music, Education, and Multiculturalism: Foundations and Principles

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Useful Resource

Music, Education, and Multiculturalism: Foundations and Principles
Terese M. Volk
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195106091

Book Description

In today's multi-ethnic classroom, multiculturalism plays an increasingly vital role. What it is, how it developed, and what it means for education, especially music education, are the questions that form the essence of this book. Music, Education, and Multiculturalism traces the growth and development of multicultural music education in the United States from its start in the early 1900s to the present, and describes the state of multicultural music education internationally. Beginning with a discussion of the philosophical foundations surrounding multiculturalism, Part I addresses the various definitions of multiculturalism and its associated problems and possibilities in both education at large and music education in particular. It offers a succinct discussion of the various philosophical concepts and rationales for a multicultural approach, and concludes with current thoughts and applications in music education. Part II follows multicultural music education in the U.S. as it paralleled changes in general education brought about by social and historical events. The last chapter in this section outlines multiculturalism in music education around the world. Part III focuses on the implications of multiculturalism for music education, both in teacher training and in classroom instruction. Designed to assist music educators at all levels in understanding and implementing multicultural education, Music, Education, and Multiculturalism provides suggestions for curricular development, offers teaching strategies, and provides practical applications including materials and methodologies. Combining personal narrative and oral history with the support of primary and archival documents, this text is essential reading for all students and teachers of the history and foundations of music education and of multiculturalism in general education.

Customer Reviews:

Useful Resource.......2001-01-08

As a Canadian I usually read and advocate Canadian authors especially in the area of multiculturalism as it affects education. Why? Because CANADA is the only country in the world that proclaims MULTICULTURALISM AS NATIONAL LAW. However, I found this book very valuable in gaining a perspective on multiculturalism as it has developed in Anglophone countries around the world (I'm not sure why Volk includes Germany here though).

Book Description

The philosophy of the second edition of Music! Its Role and Importance in Our Lives is a sociological approach to the study of music. It contains history but is not a historical approach. There are nine units, with a total of 27 chapters. It is an activity-based program with over 450 activities. This edition fully incorporates the National Standards for Arts Education. More media and technology are added to create dynamic links with the other performing arts, and to create a variety of ways to promote composition, arrangement, and understanding of music.

Music! is a Unique, Activity-Rich High School Music Program

Using a sociologically based approach, Music! includes an exciting array of brand new features and resources, all of which combine to make it the most comprehensive high school music program available.

Each unit highlights a reason people value music:
. to tell us who we are
. to invite us to move
. to let us perform
. to enhance expression
. to understand life's meaning
. to allow us to create
. to tell the story of our lives
. to characterize an age, and
. to share our humanity.

Customer Reviews:

The best music appreciation text I've seen for this level!.......1999-02-03

With its beautiful photographs and the variety of music discussed, this is the perfect music appreciation text for the high school level!! It covers a variety of musical careers and performers/composers. The music is not approached in the traditional "boring" way, and students get excited about what they are learning about. A must-have for any high school!!!

Write to Know: Nonfiction Writing Prompts for Secondary Music: Write to Know

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Write to Know: Nonfiction Writing Prompts for Secondary Music: Write to Know
Center for Performance Assessment
Manufacturer: Advanced Learning Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1933196106

Book Description

The positive effect of writing is counterintuitive to what many educators believe to be true. However, when shown the data, teachers and administrators who start using nonficiton writing are quickly convinced of its value.

Teaching Music in the Secondary Schools (Music)

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Teaching Music in the Secondary Schools (Music)
Charles R. Hoffer
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0534141366

Book Description

Hoffer provides a balanced presentation of the theoretical and practical sides of music teaching. The Fourth Edition highlights broad practical and philosophical concerns of music educators, still retaining the unique organizational format that presents the process of teaching by examining it in five general areas: What should be taught?, How can the subject matter be taught?, To whom should it be taught?, and How well are students learning?

Band Director's Curriculum Resource: Ready-To-Use Lessons & Worksheets for Teaching Music Theory

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Teach Your Band Music - Not Just Notes!

Band Director's Curriculum Resource: Ready-To-Use Lessons & Worksheets for Teaching Music Theory
Connie M. Ericksen
Manufacturer: Parker Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0137921691

Customer Reviews:

Teach Your Band Music - Not Just Notes!.......1998-07-20

For junior and senior high band directors, a ready-to-use curriculum for teaching students ABOUT music as well as how to play it. Includes 37 detailed lesson plans and 122 related REPRODUCIBLE worksheets, spiral bound for eady photocopying. Major sections on linear pitch, vertical pitch, duration, acoustics, style and form - plus much more. Complete answer keys for all worksheets and quizes are included. Sprial bound, 268 pages

Strategies for Teaching: High School General Music (Strategies for Teaching Series)

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Strategies for Teaching: High School General Music (Strategies for Teaching Series)
Keith P. Thompson
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 156545085X

Book Description

The purpose of the Strategies for Teaching series is to help music teachers implement the K-12 National Music Education Standards and MENC's Prekindergarten Standards.

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