Instrumental Music Education

‘This collection offers insights on topics as varied as dealing with transfers from one instrumental teacher to another, overcoming barriers to practice, and understanding cross-cultural differences in teaching philosophies. There is inspiration here for new and established teachers, as well as for music education researchers seeking an up-to-date overview of research-informed pedagogy.’ * Stephanie Pitts, University of Sheffield, UK * 'This edited collection is a wonderful testament to the breadth and depth of graduate research studies at the University of York under Dr Liz Haddon’s expert leadership, as well as to the strengths of the academic team. Music and music education have a long and distinguished history at York, being particularly related to instrumental and vocal learning. This new, edited volume brings together a team of authors to address the importance of defining and nurturing effective performance pedagogy. The contexts for instrumental and vocal learning are commonly studio-based, essentially a one-to-one experience between tutor and student, with little opportunity for collective reflection and the extension of pedagogical skills, knowledge and understanding. Thus this volume is very welcome, not least because it frames the essential ingredients for a community of practice to develop amongst instrumental and vocal learners and their teachers.' * Graham Welch, UCL, UK * 'Instrumental Music Education offers valuable and important insights into the often-neglected subject of instrumental pedagogy. It is written in a fresh and clear-sighted way that is rooted in the considerable experience and practical application of the authors while also being well-supported by research. It covers many aspects of teaching, from musical identities, to how to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, and I was particularly delighted to see a much-needed chapter considering the language of tuition books. Congratulations to Dr Haddon and her colleagues for compiling such a comprehensive and accessible book for instrumental teachers.' * Dr Sally Cathcart, Director of The Piano Teachers’ Course, UK * 'One of my favourite responses I teach my pupils to have is simply, ‘Why?’ Why is such a wonderful question, particularly if you really want to know, and Instrumental Music Education answers a plethora of whys. There is hardly a page that goes by that doesn’t delve deeply into the whys and wherefores of our great profession. It explains, in fascinating detail, the reasons behind what happens in music lessons – or what might happen if we behave in a certain way, or indeed what does not happen. The authors draw on a profound understanding of the many psychological issues that drive what we think and what we do as instrumental music teachers in a profusion of different and relevant situations. As a result, we understand better and are able to deliver teaching that is even more effective. A must for the teacher who really wants to know why…' * Paul Harris * 'I highly recommend this book to all instrumental teachers, practitioners, and student-teachers who strive for refining their pedagogical skills and knowledge. The book has collected 19 chapters from various experienced academics and researchers on different issues in instrumental music education. There are very comprehensive reviews and discussion on many relevant issues of instrumental music education, including teachers’ personalities and identities, different cultural contexts in schools and studios, pedagogies, development of various skills such as improvisation, inclusive instrumental learning, graded examinations, and well-being, to name a few.' * Bo Wah Leung, Past President, International Society for Music Education *