Praxial Music Education: Reflections and Dialogues (Hardcover)

by David J. Elliott (Editor) "This book is a collection of critically reflective essays on the praxial concept of music and music education I put forth in Music Matters: A..." (more)
Key Phrases: praxial theory, praxial philosophy, praxial view, New York, Music Educators Journal, Oxford University Press (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Essays in this new book, written by a diverse group of internationally renowned music education scholars on a wide variety of contemporary music education topics, are carefully reasoned and well written. However, the real beauty of this collection of writings can be found in the diversity of perspectives and opinions presented...There is something for everyone in this book- those who identify with music education as aesthetic education, those who connect more closely with praxial philosophy, and those who may not have yet given formal music education philosophy a single thought." --Music Educators Journal
Praise for Music Matters
"David J. Elliott's Music Matters: A New Philosophy of Music Education should prove to be a watershed in the history of our profession because the author dramatically takes issue with some of the most cherished assumptions of mainstream philosophy in music education today...This is a bold endeavor, and Elliott has written a bold book to back up his arguments...It should be read by all music educators."--Music Educators Journal
"...the real beauty of this collection of writings can be found in the diversity of perspectives and opinions presented.... he sets an impressive example for all of us by initiating and participating in real and meaningful dialogues among music educators in his book and accompanying Web site.... There is something for everyone in this book--those who identify with music education as aesthetic education, those who connect more closely with praxial philosophy, and those who may not have yet given formal music education philosophy a single thought."--Music Educators Journal


Product Description
Praxial Music Education is a collection of essays by nineteen internationally recognized scholars in music education. Each essay offers critical reflections on a key topic in contemporary music education. The starting point of each essay, and the unifying thread of this collection, is the "praxial" philosophy of music education explained in Elliott's Music Matters: A New Philosophy of Music Education (OUP, 1995). This philosophy argues for a socially and artistically grounded concept of music and music education, challenging the field's traditional "absolutist" foundations. Praxial Music Education is both a critical companion to Music Matters, and an independent text on contemporary issues in music education. Among the themes discussed are multicultural music education, the nature of musical understanding, early childhood music education, the nature and teaching of music listening, music curriculum development, and musical creativity. Praxial music education is a living theory; a dedicated web site offers Elliott's reflections and 'dialogues' with each author's ideas. This unique collection will not only enrich discussions that already use Music Matters as their core, but will globalize current discussions and applications of the praxial philosophy and emphasize the positive and practical values of collaborative efforts in music education. A companion to Music Matters, this book is designed to spark debate and deeper analysis of this influential theory in music education.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195138341
• ISBN-13: 978-0195138344
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #289,004 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another outstanding contribution, April 6, 2005

By	Terri Fraser (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

Elliott's "Music Matters" stands as one of the most important, substantial, and brilliant music education books in the history of our profession. Elliott continues his deeply thoughtful and original ways in "Praxial Music Education," which offers sixteen excellent essays on most aspects of the praxial philosophy he presents in "Music Matters," and a dedicated web site where Elliott replies to and "dialogues" respectfully with his colleagues. By welcoming intelligent criticism of his work in this way, Elliott has done what no other music education scholar has ever done, and he has set a new standard for other scholars in our field. The international roster of authors in this essay collection includes many of the finest minds in our profession. Their discussions are deep and well written, and the collection is very well balanced in terms of national and gender perspectives. I will use this book in my graduate foundations course. It is a model of what I want my students to witness: fine, critically-reflective minds in conversation about crucial issues.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's about time, February 23, 2005

By	reader (new york) - See all my reviews

Why do so many fields of study utilize methods of dialogue for discourse? Because dialogue challenges and motivates. Then why has there been barely any dialogue in music education? David Elliott's new book has come out without an agenda for dictating but a platform for discussion -- it is a refreshing and honorable approach. If more scholars thought to do as David Elliott has done, perhaps music educators would have more than two philosophies of music education to learn from! Bravo!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Praxial Music Education, November 3, 2006

By	Jane H. Anderson "JHA" (Socorro, NM United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Praxial Music Education did and excellent job of describing the various views of the way music should be taught today. The thing that I appreciated most was that Mr. Elliott defined the term "praxial" at the very beginning so that I was cognizant of the philosophies described. It was written in plain, understandable English for the most part, and I was grateful for that.