Book details

Book description

MasterClass in Music Education provides vivid, topical, reflective and above all  real accounts from existing teachers researching in the field, together with theoretical insights and a guided view of the relevant existing literature.

Students embarking upon research will gain a many-faceted understanding of the possibilities for using action research and other research methods to explore the interesting and challenging issues confronting music education. At the same time, they will be able to develop an understanding of how to carry out research from the real life case study accounts written by their peers. John Finney and Felicity Laurence provide overarching support, drawing on their own experiences as supervisors of MA Music Education students to frame the debates and reflections which arise. The authors of this book cover critical issues in music education in ways that are thoughtful, reflective, and informed. As such issues are examined, this book can serve as a valuable resource for music education research projects, some of which will involve practitioners and pupils in context, and others on musical learning in formal and informal settings. This is not a prescriptive "how to" book but rather an insightful approach to methodological enquiry with a strong foundation constructed from the current literature.; This is an inspired book that challenges music education researchers and practitioners alike to consider 'what counts as research'. The many articulate voices from the classroom contained here show not just how to research in educational settings, but also why it is worthwhile. This book could make a real difference to teachers, pupils and researchers - and to a better mutual understanding between all involved in music education.; This is a fascinating collection of research projects rooted in the everyday realities of classroom music. What makes the book special is that the research is undertaken by relatively new teachers of music. Consequently there is a freshness and vitality about their narratives, which are imaginatively woven together by the two distinguished editors. Trainee music teachers will derive both motivation and inspiration in reading this book, so that hopefully they will strive to improve their own practice, and start to change things for the better.

; John Finney is Senior Lecturer in Music Education at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK.

Felicity Laurence is Lecturer in Music Education at Newcastle University, UK, where she is Director of the MA in Music and Education.