Keith Swanwick explores the psychological and sociological dimensions of musical experience and the implications of these for children's development and music education in schools and colleges. Music is seen, with the other arts, as contributing to the growth of mind, with deep psychological roots in play. Swanwick examines the ways in which children make their own music, and confirms that there is an observable sequence of development. His insights into musical experience help to draw together and interpret fragmented psychological work that has been done in the field and make it possible to plan music education in schools, colleges and studios in a more purposeful way. His analysis of the nature of musical experience and music education has consequences both for curriculum development and the assessment of students' work, with special reference given to the National Curriculum and GCSE.

About the Author
Keith Swanwick is Professor of Music Education in London University, at the Institute of Education.

Reviews

'This is a book to stimulate thought and elucidate ideas ... As such it must represent a valuable addition to the range of literature on the subject.' - Music Teacher

'This significant book should be in the hands of all with an interest in music education.' - Times Educational Supplement

'It represents a major contribution to international music education. The issues it raises and the solutions it proposes deserve the attention of every music educator.' - International Journal of Music Education

`Keith Swanwick presents us with a stimulating theory of music education. Furthermore, he advances a keen perspective on the role of music in human development and its unique function in the public school curriculum. Finally, he provides a steadfast beacon to enlighten the quest for a new parardigm for the arts in education. - Harvard Educational Review

`... this is a book to stimulate thought and elucidate ideas ... As such it must represent a valuable addition to the range of literature on the subject.' - Music Teacher

`this significant book should be in the hands of all with an interest in music education.' - Times Education Supplement

'The range of sources, application of thought and sheer erudition exhibited in this work are, at times, quite overwhelming - - a new star in the firmament of pedagogy, musicology and psychology.' - Miles Krusznski, Educational Psychology in Practice

Book Information
ISBN 9780415014793
Author Keith Swanwick
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 249g