Thesis (M.A.)--University of Rochester, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 33-35). Digitized version available online via the Sibley Music Library, Eastman School of Music http://hdl.handle.net/1802/7560

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Iowa, 1970. / Typescript. Photocopy. [s.1. :s.n.,1970?]. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-146).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Iowa, 1970. / Typescript. Photocopy. [s.1. :s.n.,1970?]. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-146).

A study was conducted with third-grade children in a university laboratory school to determine the relative effectiveness of a method for teaching recorder in which the sequential objectives are logically ordered by Edwin Gordon's empirical model of learning sequence and a traditional method which stresses note reading. The criteria used for comparison were change in the level of developmental music aptitude and performance achievement on the recorder. A review of the literature supported Edwin Gordon's theory of developmental music aptitude which proposes that until about age nine, environmental factors can affect the level of music aptitude, and, at about age nine, music aptitude stabilizes. The review of the literature also supported the use of singing activities with instrumental instruction, and the application of verbal association systems to tonal and rhythmic patterns as pedagogical techniques. Treatment for the control group involved a teaching-learning procedure in which individual fingerings, pitches, and rhythm symbols were presented in isolation and assembled in playing songs from notation. The method used with the experimental group involved a teaching-learning sequence in which children first learned to sing the song by rote. In learning to play the song on the recorder, each melodic and rhythmic pattern was isolated and initially sung or chanted. A verbal association system was then associated with the tonal and rhythmic pattern. The notation representing the pattern was introduced after extensive aural and verbal association experience, and after learning several songs. Primary sources of data included: pretest/posttest using Gordon's PMMA to measure developmental music aptitude change, and a rating scale test to measure recorder performance achievement. Results of the PMMA supported the alternative hypotheses that the experimental group had significantly higher mean composite and rhythmic increases than the control group. The mean increase in the tonal scores was greater for the experimental group, but not significantly higher at the .05 level. Results of the investigator-designed performance achievement tests supported the alternative hypotheses that the experimental method of teaching recorder was more effective in all dimensions--melodic, rhythmic, executive skills, and composite--than the traditional method.

Beginning band directors appear to prioritize notation-based practices in their programs and rehearsals despite cognitive research indicating the necessity of audiation for musical comprehension and success. During rehearsals, directors oversee musical success and cognition suggesting the potentiality to improve upon traditional forms of teaching in order to prioritize audiation and encourage its systematic improvement. Using Edwin Gordon’s work on audiation and applications from cognitive research as my theoretical framework, I surveyed, observed, and interviewed beginning band directors regarding their prioritization of audiation during rehearsals. In this mixed methods study in which I used an explanatory sequential, multiple case study design, beginning band directors from select institutions and Gordon Institute of Music Learning certificate holders (N = 20) were asked to complete an online survey answering Likert-scaled and open-ended questions regarding rehearsal activities and students’ musical success. After survey completion, each volunteer director (n = 4) was observed twice, interviewed individually, and interviewed collectively in a focus group. Following the transcription of observations and interviews, open-ended survey responses, observations, and interviews were coded and major themes generated. Three implications for band directors and music educators included, first, valuing an unlimited pedagogy with a de-emphasis on decoding and repertoire and a reemphasis on ear playing and informal learning. Second, preparatory experiences are important for comprehensive success in beginning instrumental study. Third, a beginning band curriculum that is intentionally seeking to create comprehensive musicianship among beginners may be best achieved by balancing traditional pedagogy, Music Learning Theory, and informal music learning approaches. Future research might examine directors’ teaching inclusions and pedagogy over a more extensive period of time or as a single case study. Future research could also document audiation instruction from the student perspective.