This book introduces music education majors to basic instrumental pedagogy for the instruments and ensembles most commonly found in the elementary and secondary curricula. This text focuses on the core competencies required for teacher certification in instrumental music. The first section of the book focuses on essential issues for a successful instrumental program: objectives, assessment and evaluation, motivation, administrative tasks, and recruiting and scheduling (including block scheduling). The second section devotes a chapter to each wind instrument plus percussion and strings, and includes troubleshooting checklists for each instrument. The third section focuses on rehearsal techniques from the first day through high school.
Today the definition of "being educated in music" is challenging: it includes a deep understanding of music, the ability to reflect on one's own progress, knowing how to practice independently and efficiently, and the ability to transfer knowledge and skills to new situations.
The Teaching of Instrumental Music, Third Edition is the only text that integrates the pedagogy of performance skill on each instrument with that instrument's use in the school or adult ensemble. The text also analyzes the elements of teaching competence, both content and pedagogical, required of a twenty-first century teacher, including the ability to motivate students, to relate well with the administration and colleagues, to effectively administer the instrumental program, and to be accountable to students, the school, and the community.
New to the Third Edition are:
- Chapters on the principles of string instruction and a chapter on each of the string instruments.
- An expanded rehearsal section (two chapters) that includes suggestions on score preparation and rehearsal routines.
- A section on developing the school jazz ensemble.
- A discussion of program objectives and authentic assessment.
- Reference material including trouble shooting checklists, fingering charts, and instructional materials, as well as extensive photographs and drawings that support and supplement the descriptions of the proper approach to each instrument.
- A broad treatment of the instrumental music program that is compatible with education reform initiatives, standards, priorities, and assessments.