Music Education in the 21st Century in the United Kingdom: Achievements, Analysis and Aspirations (Bedford Way Papers) [Paperback]

As a reader from abroad, I found this collection to be a major achievement for music education in the United Kingdom. The United States and its music education leadership has much to learn from the chapters in this book. It shows not only how our two cultures struggle with the same fascinating challenges for music teaching and learning but also how we can be inspired to work for reform. Books like this are vital for all interested in the future of music education here and around the world. --Professor Peter R. Webster, John W. Beattie Professor of Music Education and Technology, Northwestern University, Bienen School of Music, USA

The transformational power of music education is illuminated throughout every page of this remarkable book. The authors vividly illuminate its wide-ranging position in society, constantly challenging the reader with new insights that relate to both the art and science of music-making. In a society that increasingly values visual stimulus and instant gratification, music can sometimes seem peripheral and little more than ornamental. In reality it has the capability to change lives, an inspirational message communicated here with passion and conviction. A virtuoso and aspirational achievement! --Professor Colin Lawson, Director, Royal College of Music, London, UK.

I think the book is excellent, an essential companion for anyone in music education, whether they are a trainer, teacher or manager. At this time of significant change I believe Music Education provides an excellent tool to help us plan and develop future learning opportunities. --Mr. Peter Chivers, Director of the National Association of Music Educators (NAME) and Head of Brighton and Hove City Music, Arts and Study Support and Trustee of Rhythmix, UK

The transformational power of music education is illuminated throughout every page of this remarkable book. The authors vividly illuminate its wide-ranging position in society, constantly challenging the reader with new insights that relate to both the art and science of music-making. In a society that increasingly values visual stimulus and instant gratification, music can sometimes seem peripheral and little more than ornamental. In reality it has the capability to change lives, an inspirational message communicated here with passion and conviction. A virtuoso and aspirational achievement! --Professor Colin Lawson, Director, Royal College of Music, London, UK.

I think the book is excellent, an essential companion for anyone in music education, whether they are a trainer, teacher or manager. At this time of significant change I believe Music Education provides an excellent tool to help us plan and develop future learning opportunities. --Mr. Peter Chivers, Director of the National Association of Music Educators (NAME) and Head of Brighton and Hove City Music, Arts and Study Support and Trustee of Rhythmix, UK

The landscape of music education in the UK is constantly shifting and developing. This book provides a timely and unique overview of this restless sector by considering the achievements of music education, analysing its current performance and setting out aspirations for the future. Music Education in the 21st Century in the United Kingdom addresses the power of music to influence and change human behaviour, analyses current and future issues in music education and casts a spotlight on particular areas of education, including early years, the primary school, the secondary school, further education, universities and conservatoires, music services, the music studio and the role of music leaders and community musicians. Written by experts in the field of music education, the book provides an authoritative account of the current status of music education in the UK. While essential to understand the current and future context in the UK, the book will be invaluable to those involved in music education internationally, as it includes chapters on the provision of music education for all children, listening, the role of singing, playing an instrument, creativity, the role of technology, issues of performance and assessment, learning through the lifespan and the initial and ongoing education of music teachers. It also includes a range of case study examples and evaluations of practice. The book is a landmark publication in the field of music education and will be essential reading for policy-makers, practitioners, music students, trainee music teachers and those who provide music services in the UK and internationally.

Dr Andrea Creech has extensive experience as a professional musician, music teacher and researcher. She currently is Lecturer in Education at the IOE and Associate Lecturer (psychology) for the Open University. Previously she has held principal positions in orchestras in the UK and Canada and subsequently was founder and director of a Community Music School in the Republic of Ireland. Andrea has been project manager for a number of funded research projects in the areas of music education, behaviour and attendance and disaffection. Her special research interests are musical development across the lifespan, learning and teaching for older adults and the impact of interpersonal relationships on learning and teaching outcomes. Andrea has presented her work at international conferences and published widely. Professor Susan Hallam is Professor of Education at the IOE and currently Dean of the Faculty of Policy and Society. She pursued careers as both a professional musician and a music educator before completing her psychology studies and becoming an academic in 1991. Her research interests include disaffection from school, ability grouping and homework and issues relating to learning in music, practising, performing, musical ability, musical understanding and the effects of music on behaviour and studying. She is the author of several books, including Instrumental Teaching: A Practical Guide to Better Teaching and Learning (1998), The Power of Music (2001) and Music Psychology in Education (2005). She is editor of The Oxford Handbook of Psychology of Music (2009) and has many other scholarly articles to her name. She is past editor of Psychology of Music, Psychology of Education Review and Learning Matters. She has twice been Chair of the Education Section of the British Psychological Society, and is past treasurer of the British Educational Research Association, an auditor for the Quality Assurance Agency and an Academician of the Learned Societies for the Social Sciences.