The Ways Children Learn Music: An Introduction and Practical Guide to Music Learning Theory

Music teachers all have their own ideas about pedagogy and how music should be taught to the next generation. A lot of those ideas are biased towards doing it the way the teacher did back in the day. I have not been immune to that thinking. Edwin Gordon is one of the few researchers who has really dug in deep to decipher how children really learn to read and interpret Western style music. HIs ideas and research have become know as music learning theory. Trying to read one of the many books written by Gordon to explain his work however is not very easy. Even to music educators the language is foreign and requires your mind to wrap around some research/eduspeak that just wears you out.Enter Bluestines book. Finally a plain english explanation of "The Gordon Method," or more correctly music learning theory. After reading this book I felt I finally had a grasp of what music learning theory is and why I should incorporate some of the ideas into my classroom. I also realized that many of the things I already do using elements of Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze processes are not in opposition to music learning theory but easily work within music learning theory. I really appreciate what this book has added to my practice as a music teacher.Now having a grasp of all these things I have branched out to some of Gordon's materials and they are more palatable but only in small doses. They are still somewhat difficult to digest in large amounts.

This book is very clear. It gives you an introduction to Music Learning Theory, and it's a very good starting point.

Like I said, I received the book in good shape and on time.

This book is essential reading for music educators who teach at any level, and fascinating for amateur musicians/music enthusiasts with small children. Bluestine provides an easily accessible overview of Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory.

I am new to teaching music and was looking for a resource that would help me understand how children learn music and how to craft a curriculum to meet their needs. I found this to be overly theoretical - more about defending its theory against detractors than actually explaining the theory. For someone first learning what the theory is, a concise introduction would be helpful, as well as definitions of the terms that it uses throughout. I also felt that although the tone was meant to be light and jokey, it came across almost like the author was writing for children, albeit children very interested in the finer points of theoretical arguments.

Music teachers who haven't encountered much Music Learning Theory before will find this very interesting. I especially enjoyed comparing the ideas presented in the book with those learned in my Kodaly training program.

Essential reading for all parents who want an honest music education for their children. Bluestine's book shows us how we learn. An ideal introduction to Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Sequences.

I ordered this book for my daughter for her Music class. It came in quickly, was packaged well, and it was in great condition. Thanks for the help.