Product Description
On the basis of Dewey’s principles, Paul G. Woodford explores the social foundation of current music education practices in the context of democratic values of freedom, creativity, and contribution to society. He then critiques the means by which this ideal is learned by teachers and taught to students. Woodford concludes with recommendations for acknowledging democratic and non-democratic values in music teaching, teacher training, and performance, and suggests ste… More >>
Democracy And Music Education: Liberalism, Ethics, And The Politics Of Practice
Tags: creativity, current music, Democracy, democratic values, dewey, education, ethics, freedom, Liberalism, music, music education practices, Politics, Practice, social foundation, teacher training, woodford
#1 by Poonchie106 on May 4, 2010 - 11:21 am
This book makes a case for “watering down” music education. All students have the ability to learn. No student should determine what is taught in a music class anymore than in a Math or Science class. If you are interested in how to teach to the average, buy this book. Those who put down contest or festival ratings are usually ineffective teachers unable to reach that level of musicianship. If you would like to help students reach their potential in music expression and performance, find another, more practical book instead of this self-indulgent garbage. I agree with the reviewer below – if you voted for George Bush, you probably believe people are able to do more for themselves than if you are a liberal Democrat. Pass up this socialist garbage!
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by Peter Singleton on May 4, 2010 - 12:58 pm
I had to read this book for a graduate music education course. When it was assigned, I looked forward to reading it because, up to now, I have found Canadian scholars of music education (e.g., Bowman, Elliott, Stubley, Lamb) to be exceptionally fine thinkers with excellent, cutting-edge ideas. I expected the same from Woodford, another Canadian. Unforunately, I was very disappointed. Woodford is not in the same league as his Northern colleagues. The content of his book (it’s just a booklet, actually) will be unhelpful and uninspiring to any music educator interested in learning more about music, or music education, or engaging his/her students in the joys of music making. Woodford’s book is about turning music teachers and music education into political-social tools. This is not a new idea, and it has potential, but Woodford does not have the writing and thinking abilities needed to justify his spin on this topic. In a nutshell: this book is an unconvincing and pedantic plod.
Rating: 1 / 5
#3 by Jed Berman on May 4, 2010 - 3:33 pm
I found this book pompous and pedantic and full of wordy phrases that fill a paragraph that could easily have been concisely written in one or two words. All this just to sound erudite and well researched. This book should be edited down to a short article.
Rating: 2 / 5
#4 by 127 on May 4, 2010 - 5:57 pm
I disagree vehemently with the above review. I will grant that the book gets preachy at times. I will also refer potential readers and reviewers to the title of the book in forming their expectations. The book is about music education in the bigger picture, and the role played by music educators and students. At times it gets incendiary. That’s a good thing. It’s supposed to. It wants you to get beyond getting a “1″ at festival into what else you have or should have to offer as a music teacher. I also have the advantage of having met Paul in a small informal setting and hearing him explain his views. If you want hard core philosophy go for Reimer, Jorgensen and that crew. Just looking at the title willl give you proper expectations. Finally, if you voted for George Bush, don’t bother with this.
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by MichaelJ on May 4, 2010 - 7:41 pm
This is a though-provoking, different look at music education. During a 20 + year career, I was continually troubled by the “Mozart Effect.” defense of music, and the need to perform for ratings and trophies (at which I was VERY successful, by the way). Woodford challenges us to look at music as inherently good – not as a vehicle to get trophies (which is an extrinsic motivation), or to raise test scores (which have little to do with teaching and MUCH to do with socio-economic status). By abandoning those notions, the study of music could reach many more than the 10 or 15 percent of school populations that it now reaches, and become an art form that belongs to everyone. That whole “voted for George Bush” and vilifying of socialism commentary was kind of sad — Guys, open your minds — it’s OK to disagree with your favorite radio talk show entertainers!
Rating: 5 / 5