In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world causing physical, emotional, economic, and social upheaval in every part of the globe. It also catalyzed a renewed interrogation, by music education faculty in higher education, of philosophies and practices that had long gone unexamined. Music Education on the Verge: Stories of Pandemic Teaching and Transformative Change is a collection of narratives by music teacher-educators describing how they responded to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic with, and for, their students. Through these stories, the authors step back and reflect on the events, challenges, triumphs, and innovations discovered as they prepared the next generation of music educators in this time of crisis. They tell stories of reexamining old frameworks, discovering new affordances of technologies, humanizing pedagogy, deepening culturally responsive and sustaining experiences, and creating space for democratic practices. Each chapter offers examples of innovative music pedagogy that can be adapted and applied by music educators and music teacher educators with their students. Collectively, they paint a picture of possibilities, challenging music teacher-educators— and educators in all fields— to seek out openings and pursue pedagogies of change as we move forward into a post-pandemic world.

The author of The Watchman’s Rattle “has done it again. On the Verge shows how predictive technologies and science are redefining modern leadership” (George Mitchell, former Senate Majority Leader). “There can be no greater advantage than certainty of the future. Not in nature. Not in business. Not in governance.” So begins Rebecca Costa’s much-awaited exploration of foresight: “the crowning achievement of human ambition.” According to Costa, advances in Big Data, predictive analytics, genomics, artificial intelligence, and other breakthroughs have made it possible to pinpoint future results with mind-blowing accuracy—cracking the door to what Costa calls predaptation: the ability to adapt before the fact. Never before has the information needed to avert danger, get the jump ahead of others, or prepare for the inevitable been so clearly within grasp. Through fascinating real-life examples, Costa reveals how technology has brought nations, businesses, and individuals to the edge of clairvoyance. Yet, our ability to act on foreknowledge often falls short—causing leaders to squander the advantage of preemption. To counteract this failure, Costa illuminates 12 principles of adaptation, and predaptation, used to succeed in fast-moving environments. In the spirit of the best in popular science, On the Verge is a landmark examination of big-picture forces affecting society today. Costa’s unique sociobiological perspective, combined with her ability to blend humor, breaking science, and insightful personal stories, distinguishes her as one of the most important thought leaders of our time. “If you have an insatiable curiosity about the impact of innovation on our world ahead and how the future can be manipulated, you will love this book.”—John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and President of Pepsi-Cola

Canada is poised to reconcile its centuries-long fraught history with Indigenous peoples and to establish justice. What fundamental spiritual principles should guide this challenging process and bring together peoples who have been separated for so long? In this part-memoir, part-scholarly work, Patricia Verge records her decades-long friendship with the Stoney Nakoda Nation in southern Alberta. She explores how her spiritual journey has been intimately entwined with service among Indigenous people and confronts her own ignorance of the true history of Canada, taking for her guidance this quote from the writings of the Bahá’í Faith: “a massive dose of truth must be administered to heal.” An engaging and timely work, Equals and Partners is ultimately a story of love and commitment to the principle of the oneness of humanity.

Co-published by MENC: The National Association for Music Education. A History of American Music Education covers the history of American music education, from its roots in Biblical times through recent historical events and trends. It describes the educational, philosophical, and sociological aspects of the subject, always putting it in the context of the history of the United States. It offers complete information on professional organizations, materials, techniques, and personalities in music education.

An illustrated guide for the amateur and professional musician that teaches us how to transform practicing from an often laborious activity into an exhilarating and rewarding experience Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin • “Give this book to any musician you love and to any person who loves what music does for them and for the world.”—Richard Stoltzman, clarinetist In The Art of Practicing, acclaimed pianist and teacher Madeline Bruser combines physiological and meditative principles to help musicians release physical and mental tension and unleash their innate musical talent. She offers practical techniques for cultivating free and natural movement, a keen enjoyment of sounds and sensations, a clear and relaxed mind, and an open heart and she explains how to: • Prepare the body and mind to practice with ease • Understand the effect of posture on flexibility and expressiveness • Make efficient use of the hands and arms • Employ listening techniques to improve coordination • Increase the range of color and dynamics by using less effort • Cultivate rhythmic vitality • Perform with confidence, warmth, and freedom Complete with photographs to show essential points of posture and movement for a variety of instruments, this is the definitive guide to turning practice from a sometimes frightening, monotonous chore to a fun, fulfilling activity.

This open access book highlights the importance of visions of alternative futures in music teacher education in a time of increasing societal complexity due to increased diversity. There are policies at every level to counter prejudice, increase opportunities, reduce inequalities, stimulate change in educational systems, and prevent and counter polarization. Foregrounding the intimate connections between music, society and education, this book suggests ways that music teacher education might be an arena for the reflexive contestation of traditions, hierarchies, practices and structures. The visions for intercultural music teacher education offered in this book arise from a variety of practical projects, intercultural collaborations, and cross-national work conducted in music teacher education. The chapters open up new horizons for understanding the tension-fields and possible discomfort that music teacher educators face when becoming change agents. They highlight the importance of collaborations, resilience and perseverance when enacting visions on the program level of higher education institutions, and the need for change in re-imagining music teacher education programs.

This enlightening examination of creativity looks “at art and science together to examine how innovations . . . build on what already exists and rely on three brain operations: bending, breaking and blending” (The Wall Street Journal) The Runaway Species is a deep dive into the creative mind, a celebration of the human spirit, and a vision of how we can improve our future by understanding and embracing our ability to innovate. David Eagleman and Anthony Brandt seek to answer the question: what lies at the heart of humanity’s ability—and drive—to create? Our ability to remake our world is unique among all living things. But where does our creativity come from, how does it work, and how can we harness it to improve our lives, schools, businesses, and institutions? Eagleman and Brandt examine hundreds of examples of human creativity through dramatic storytelling and stunning images in this beautiful, full–color volume. By drawing out what creative acts have in common and viewing them through the lens of cutting–edge neuroscience, they uncover the essential elements of this critical human ability, and encourage a more creative future for all of us. “The Runaway Species approach[es] creativity scientifically but sensitively, feeling its roots without pulling them out.” —The Economist

The Sage Handbook of School Music Education stands as an essential guide for navigating the evolving educational landscape in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The handbook addresses philosophical foundations, social justice challenges, the envisioning of a transformative curriculum, and critical issues in music teacher education. Written by a diverse team of leading scholars, this handbook offers a truly global perspective with contributors from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, and North and South America. The handbook engages with the profound interplay of economic, political, and social forces that shape educational policies. Scholars within this collaborative work delve into what it means to educate in a world undergoing significant changes. This entails an exploration of emerging educational approaches, considerations for societal implications, and the interconnectedness of school music education with broader curricular and global contexts. As a cohesive resource, The Sage Handbook of School Music Education not only addresses the challenges faced by educators but also envisions the transformative potential of music education in fostering creativity, inclusivity, and adaptability. This handbook serves as a compass for students, practitioners and scholars in the field, and all those passionate about navigating the complexities of redefining music education for a new era. Part 1: Foundations Part 2: Struggling for Social Justice Through Music Education Part 3: Curriculum Development Part 4: Teacher Education

This groundbreaking work, specially designed for the music classroom, combines traditional and popular literature in a method that both teaches the ukulele and develops music literacy. Assuming no prior knowledge, the leveled content allows students to track their progress and teachers to reward benchmark achievements. Many popular pieces are written in the same key as their common recordings, allowing students to play along if they wish, and no singing parts use notation symbols that have not already been formally introduced. The book teaches students both how to read and write music on the treble staff but also offers opportunities to follow chord charts, improvise, and play by ear. By encouraging the development of these transferrable skills, Uke Can Do It 2 provides a solid foundation for lifelong music-making!

Music is a powerful means for educating citizens in a multicultural society and meeting many challenges shared by teachers across all subjects and grade levels. By celebrating heritage and promoting intercultural understandings, music can break down barriers among various ethnic, racial, cultural, and language groups within elementary and secondary schools. This book provides important insights for educators in music, the arts, and other subjects on the role that music can play in the curriculum as a powerful bridge to cultural understanding. The author documents key ideas and practices that have influenced current music education, particularly through efforts of ethnomusicologists in collaboration with educators, and examines some of the promises and pitfalls in shaping multicultural education through music. The text highlights World Music Pedagogy as a gateway to studying other cultures as well as the importance of including local music and musicians in the classroom. Book Features: Chronicles the historical movements and contemporary issues that relate to music education, ethnomusicology, and cultural diversity. Offers recommendations for the integration of music into specific classes, as well as throughout school culture. Examines performance, composition, and listening analysis of art (folk/traditional and popular) as avenues for understanding local and global communities. Documents music’s potential to advance dimensions of multicultural education, such as the knowledge-construction process, prejudice reduction, and an equity pedagogy.