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

by Eric Bluestine

Book by Eric Bluestine

Genres: Music, Education, Nonfiction

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tamsyn]

This book comes highly recommended by my cousin Tom Spackman; It was a very good read!

[Karin Rau]

Last year, I studied Music Learning Theory for Newborns and Early Childhood, and completed the first course of training in EC MLT. I wanted to get an overview of MLT beyond Early Childhood to get a better picture of where all this knowledge was headed. While methods like Kodaly, Orff-Schulwerk, Suzuki, Dalcrose propose methods of teaching music, MLT is the research of how human brains and body actually acquire music audiation. It was fascinating, and I had a lot of insights, albeit I don't think it was a great concise introduction to MLT. He certainly states his perspective and experience teaching in a k-5 setting, but I feel like the research findings could be stated so much more clearly first, and secondly, you can ramble, list mildly-relevant quotes, tell stories and give examples of how to structure teaching around MLT research. Some people understand better through stories and examples first, but my brain likes to see the data first, and then hear the stories of explanation later. I will read other recently published books to dive deeper into my understanding of MLT.

[Matthew Thomas]

This was a very informative and easy-to-read introduction to MLT. I found myself wanting to read more about Gordon's teaching practices after completing the Conversational Solfege Feierabend training earlier this year. I really enjoyed Bluestine's breakdown and beginner-oriented focus. As someone who knew very little going in, I feel like I understand the major points and want to read more about implementing MLT practices in the classroom, which naturally seem like an extension of the Conversational Solfege program. I also find it helpful how Bluestine and Gordon note this is merely a portion of a lesson, not a comprehensive curriculum, and should be combined with other features of Kodaly/Orff and more generic songs, dances, games, and activities.

[Louise]

Being a long time music teacher, in all grades, it was excellent to refresh ideas....however I didn’t necessarily agree with all of it. Still think it’s a great book especially for beginning music teachers. There are some fundamentals in here.

[T. J. Ricer]

Excellent resource for music teachers. Approachable introduction to Edwin Gordon’s research and Music Learning Theory. May be a bit confusing for parents or administrators, but, as advertised, there is good information for anyone on the Ways Children Learn Music.

[Jacinta]

Not sure I’m the target audience for this book. Found it confusing and hard to read.

[Chloe]

This author reads like an egotistical misogynist. I still know next to nothing about Music Learning Theory. Had to read this for a class and wish I had just saved my time.

[Cristina Aguilar]

No me ha ayudado mucho a convencerme de la MLT, de la que ya era escéptica. No tiene apenas argumentación que no sea subjetiva. Da alguna idea interesante, eso sí.

[Mackenzie]

I read this book for a class and I don’t think I would have understood it if my professor didn’t summarize it and gamify it.

[Sagagirl]

Quite nice guide to understanding how music can be taught and how it is perceived.