Childhood Development, Socialization and Music Education

Bruer, John T. “Education and the Brain: A Bridge Too Far” Educational Researcher Vol. 26, No. 8 (Nov. 1997): 4-16. Web. 21 Nov. 2015

            A good starting point for beginning a journey of learning about the connection between neurological research and teaching procedures (pedagogy). Healthy skepticism about applications, with a hopeful road map of process for implementing developing understandings of neurological research into educational practice in the future, via cognitive psychology, etc., particularly when technology is able to better bridge the study of neurology and its educational applications. 

Gadsden, Vivian L. “The Arts and Education: Knowledge Generation, Pedagogy, and the Discourse of Learning” Review of Research in Education, Vol. 32, What Counts as Knowledge in Educational Settings: Disciplinary Knowledge, Assessment, and Curriculum (2008): 29-61. Web. 21 Nov. 2015

            A broad-based analysis of recent studies on arts and education, a great starting text for the burgeoning researcher in music pedagogy. Gadsden and her peers endeavor to find the gaps in the current body of knowledge, identifying future areas of needed research. She also raises questions about the challenges of assessing student growth in a scientific manner. She further notes the lack of empirical research on the viability and influence of arts education on childhood development, with a specific focus on issues around multiculturalism, diverse socio-economic communities, and the validity of arts education for at-risk populations.  See Mozart Effect for more information on this article.

Smithrim, Katharine, and Rena Upitis. “Learning through the Arts: Lessons of Engagement” Canadian Journal of Education / Revue canadienne de l’éducation Vol. 28, No. ½ (2005): 109-127. Web. 21 Nov. 2015

            Concrete review of a Canadian educational study utilizing teaching artists as partners to classroom teachers for more than 6,000 students over a three-year protocol, across a wide swath of Canadian socio-economic society.  The study is very carefully conducted and reported, with strict methodology. Results for music education are striking in comparison to other artistic fields.

Warner, R. Stephen. “2007 Presidential Address: Singing and Solidarity” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion Vol. 47, No. 2 (June, 2008): 175-190. Web. 21 Nov. 2015

            As a sociologist, Warner analyzes the value of community singing, particularly multi-part harmony, its role in the evolution of a multi-faith American culture, its social decline in the 20th century, the solidarity that derives from community singing, and the challenges modern men face today in bridging standards of solitary masculinity with a community-driven experience predicated on embracing that solidarity, and the effects of that cultural norm on community singing.  Issues of rhythm, and the human body as the foundation of faith are addressed, as well as the value of the body in faith development.