Teaching Music Theory: New Voices and Approaches

by Jennifer Snodgrass

In recent years, music theory educators around the country have developed new and innovative teaching approaches, reintroducing a sense of purpose into their classrooms. In this book, author and veteran music theory educator Jennifer Snodgrass visits several of these teachers, observing them in their music theory classrooms and providing lesson plans that build upon their approaches. Based on three years of field study spanning seventeen states, coupled with reflections on her own teaching strategies, Teaching Music New Voices and Approaches highlights real-life teaching approaches from effective (and sometimes award-winning) instructors from a wide range of high schools, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and conservatories.

Throughout the book, Snodgrass focuses on topics like classroom environment, collaborative learning, undergraduate research and professional development, and curriculum reform. She also emphasizes the importance of a diverse, progressive, and inclusive teaching environment throughout, from encouraging student involvement in curriculum planning to designing lesson plans and assessments so that pedagogical concepts can easily be transferred to the applied studio, performance ensemble, and other courses outside of music. An accessible and valuable text designed with the needs of both students and faculty in mind, Teaching Music Theory provides teachers with a vital set of tools to rejuvenate the classroom and produce confident, empowered students.

336 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read full of extremely important and useful information when it comes to teaching theory! I will definitely be rereading this for years to come for inspiration and when I need to remember my “why”. A must read for all music teachers, both new and experienced.

[Lisa Debellevue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has examples of approaches to teaching music theory that help students make meaningful connections to music, not just learn “formulas.” Throughly researched and well organized.