Edwin E. Gordon in Italy: the future of music (ITA/ENG), AIGAM 2016

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker reflects on their journey in music education, emphasizing the importance of 'audiation'—the ability to hear music in the mind—over traditional notation. From their early experiences with music to groundbreaking research on Music Learning Theory, the speaker advocates for teaching music in a way that nurtures intuitive understanding before technical skill. They urge future educators to continue developing their musicianship, embrace ongoing learning, and improve upon existing methods. The message centers on fostering an evolving, open-minded approach to music education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Music education should focus on audiation (hearing music mentally) before notation, as it helps students develop a deeper understanding of music.
• 😀 The speaker’s personal journey into music was shaped by key mentors and experiences, including his time in an Army band and working with top musicians.
• 😀 Children are the ideal subjects for studying music learning because they are open, honest, and unafraid to show their limitations.
• 😀 Music Learning Theory (MLT) prioritizes sound and practice over theory and notation, aiming to help students internalize music before reading and writing it.
• 😀 The process of teaching music is evolutionary, not revolutionary. Each generation of educators should build upon previous theories and research.
• 😀 Musicianship should be continually developed throughout one’s life, even for music educators, in order to keep growing and improving.
• 😀 Audiation is crucial for musicianship. It’s the ability to mentally hear music before physically playing or writing it, just as thought is to language.
• 😀 Music education should prepare children to become intelligent listeners, not just performers, when they grow into adulthood.
• 😀 The speaker values research and innovation in music education, believing that it should evolve over time with new discoveries and improvements.
• 😀 The greatest compliment to an educator or theorist is for others to improve upon their work and continue advancing the field of music education.

Q & A

What is audiation, and why is it important in music learning?

Audiation is the ability to hear music mentally, without it being physically present. It is important in music learning because it enables musicians to internalize music, think musically, and play expressively even before they read musical notation.

How did the speaker’s father influence his musical journey?

The speaker's father helped him avoid trouble by introducing him to music, particularly by encouraging him to play an instrument. His father bought him a bass after noticing his interest in the sound of basses during a visit to the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

What was the speaker's experience like when he joined the Army Band?

The speaker joined a USO Army Band during his time in the military. He was very young, and many of the musicians in the band had experience playing in big bands like the Glenn Miller Band. He learned a great deal from them during this time.

What lesson did the speaker learn from Jean Kuper?

Jean Kuper, a mentor of the speaker, taught him more in two years than he had learned in school. Kuper emphasized the importance of audiation and how great musicians are always mentally hearing music, which they then translate to their instruments.

What role does 'audiation' play in the process of learning music?

Audiation is crucial for understanding music. It allows a musician to mentally 'hear' music before they play it. This cognitive process parallels how we use language in thought, as good musicians constantly hear music in their minds, enabling them to play without needing external sound.

Why did the speaker choose to research music learning with children?

The speaker chose to research music learning with children because they are honest, open, and have no fears or mental blocks that might hinder their learning. He found that children provide the most accurate insights into how music learning occurs naturally.

How does the speaker view the role of notation in music learning?

The speaker believes that notation, while important, has overshadowed the natural process of audiation in music learning. He argues that learning music through sound and practice (audiation before notation) should come first, and notation should follow as a secondary step.

What advice does the speaker give to future music educators and practitioners?

The speaker advises future educators and musicians to develop their own musicianship to the highest level possible. He encourages them to continue playing music throughout their careers and to build upon the foundation of Music Learning Theory, improving it as they learn and grow.

What does the speaker mean by 'Music Learning Theory is evolutionary, not revolutionary'?

The speaker means that Music Learning Theory is not about sudden, groundbreaking changes, but rather about ongoing growth and refinement. It builds upon what has been established in music education over time, continuously evolving to improve the way music is taught and learned.

How does the speaker feel about the legacy of his work in music education?

The speaker views his work as a starting point for further development. He hopes that future generations of musicians and educators will take his ideas and improve upon them. He considers it the highest compliment for someone to say that they’ve built on and enhanced his work.