Teaching Approaches in Music Theory, Second Edition: An Overview of Pedagogical Philosophies

This is a book that does exactly what it sets out to do: it is a comprehensive look at how to teach the knotty subject of music theory, particularly the beginning stages, which the author rightly regards as most crucial. Rogers, who obviously brings a great deal of experience to bear on his topic, is not shy about expressing his opinions; though he does allow for different paths to reach the same goal, he is uncompromising about what he thinks must happen in the mind of a music theory student. Beginning with an overview of different philosophical and pedagogical approaches to the subject, Rogers then addresses teaching in more specific areas, fundamentals, counterpoint, analysis and ear training, concluding by returning to more general advice on teaching strategies and curriculum construction. The book is at times dry and, rather like in an actual music theory class, one may bridle at times at being crammed with so much information in so little space. But there is certainly a wealth of useful and thought-provoking information to be gleaned here.

Fabulous book about music theory.

Even though this book is many years old (the new edition is basically the same as the old, but with a new bibliography), it is still jam-packed with wisdom that is relevant today. There are many new "best practices" for teaching including collaborative techniques, flipped classrooms, etc., but I still use this book in teaching the Pedagogy of Theory, while I supplement with more current materials.

This book is an effective, easy to read text on understanding the pedagogy of music theory. The author presents most ideological approaches in pairs (i.e. integration vs isolation) and generally admits to his own biases, supporting some balance of differing viewpoints. The text feels surprisingly modern up until technology is mentioned.The book arrived accurately in the condition indicated upon purchase.

This is the most important introductory text for Theory Pedagogy available. It does not seem dated, even though the text is over 20 years old. The bibliography is updated in this 2nd edition, and provides an effective reading to extend the overview. Get Karpinski for more on Aural Skills, and read Huron for more on theory-ped music cognition. But start with this text, as it is particularly effective for presenting pedagogical dichotomies and philosophies of theory ped.

Rogers not only explains different teaching theories, but provides many ideas on building an integrated program. Well written, though a bit repetitive at times.

We are using this textbook in our Pedagogy of Music Theory class. This book gives very good insights on various approaches the teaching of Music Theory.

Purchased this book for a graduate Theory Pedagogy class and have thoroughly enjoyed it - it's a very thoughtful and interesting work.