Music Education Research

This fresh, new book captures the remarkable diversification and advancement of music education research that has taken place over the last several years. Concise yet comprehensive, Miksza et al.'s resource should be required reading for each and every one of our graduate students. * Martin J. Bergee, Professor of Music Education, University of Kansas * Music Education Research: An Introduction is the perfect text for music educators interested in studying the important issues of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Authors in the text write in an accessible way and highlight the key concepts that relate to research design when referencing music education studies. I can't wait to use it as a text with my Summers-only Master of Music Education students who are curious and want to know more, in practitioner terms, how to design, implement, and interpret their own research projects as well as understand the research of others. * Colleen Conway, Professor of Music Education, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor * This comprehensive and approachable volume promises to be the 'household text' for the next generation of music education researchers. The book is rich with recent examples of music education scholarship from a wide range of methods and perspectives. Complex topics are presented thoughtfully and pedagogically, with ample practical applications and how-to steps for students who are new to the world of research. At the same time, the text provides such a thorough and thoughtful treatment of more recent trends in music education scholarship that it deserves a place on the bookshelf of every active music education researcher. * Karin S. Hendricks, Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education, Boston University * As the authors suggest, research moves a profession forward, but without a solid background in research methodologies, no aspiring researcher will ever be equipped to undertake studies of lasting value. Music Education Research: An Introduction provides a timely, comprehensive and authoritative resource upon which to hone one's craft as a researcher, as well as a resource that will inspire the next generation of music education researchers. * Gary E. McPherson, Professor of Music, Ormond Chair of Music, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne * I have been teaching an introductory music education research class for over 30 years, and finally my search for an ideal text is over! The authors of this excellent book clearly understand the needs of students who are learning to consume, conduct and disseminate research. Students will benefit from the balanced approach to various research paradigms, clear explanations of complex ideas, and excellent use of examples drawn from music education literature. Instructors will appreciate the action-oriented activities suggested at the end of each chapter. This text was written by a team of first-rate scholars, each with an impressive record of exemplary music education research and mentorship, through their roles as teachers and reviewers/editors for professional journals. It is no wonder that this is a high-quality book that makes a much-needed contribution to the profession. * Wendy Sims, Curators' Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music Education, University of Missouri *