Canadian Music Educators' Association 21st Century Music Education: Informal Learning and Non-Formal Teaching - Wright/Younker/Beynon - Book

Editors: Ruth Wright, Betty Anne Younker, Carol Beynon
Format: Book
Version: Text

21st Century Music Education: Informal Learning and Non-Formal Teaching, edited by Ruth Wright, Betty Anne Younker and Carol Beynon explores these pedagogic concepts from varied perspectives and in a broad variety of contexts. Many lenses are used through which to examine these learning and teaching approaches, including gender, cultural relevance and diversity, freedom and constraint, engagement and agency, individualism and consumerism, composing and improvising, and progression and assessment. Use is also considered of new media and technologies such as iPads and DSLR cameras in music learning and production. Contexts range from work with very young children to seniors, and include intergenerational and intercultural learning.

The book examines the debates, complexities, international interpretations and adaptations associated with informal and non-formal teaching when applied to music. Cutting edge research is presented in accessible language, representing the breadth of international scholarship in this field. Students, researchers and musician-educators in all spheres will find in this book ideas to engage, include and challenge learners and support professional development. The publication is intended to provide a forum for debate, to support innovative practice and to further research and discussion around these topics.

"Something amply demonstrated by this splendid collection of essays, is the limitless creativity of children and young people when they are given credibility and artistic license. The editor and her team have garnered an inspiring set of perspectives which between them critically outline and evaluate practices taking place 'on the ground' in different contexts." - Professor Lucy Green, Institute of Education, University College London

"An exciting collection of chapters that successfully responds to one of the important areas of music education research today. This timely book both embraces and celebrates informal learning and non-formal teaching through a breath of examples that demonstrates both its ubiquity and reason why all music educators should care." - Professor Lee Higgins, International Centre of Community Music, York St John University