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Teaching composing in secondary school: a case study analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2009

Benjamin Bolden
Benjamin Bolden*
Affiliation:
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 3010 Station CSC, Victoria BC V8W 3N4, Canada bbolden@uvic.ca
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Abstract

This article reports a case study of an experienced teacher of composing working with secondary school students in a large urban centre in Ontario, Canada. Results suggest authentic assignments connect student composing to the ‘real world’, and so have meaning and life beyond the music classroom. Teachers can facilitate the development of theoretical music knowledge by supporting and enhancing the experiential learning that students accomplish on their own, through composing. Offering suggestions for change to compositions-in-progress, and cultivating a classroom ethos where students exchange this service amongst themselves, serves to enhance composing potential. By helping students infuse their work with personal knowledge, experiences, and interests, teachers can increase students’ meaningful involvement in classroom composing.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 26 , Issue 2 , July 2009 , pp. 137 - 152
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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