What is Gordons Music Learning Theory?

Gordon music-learning theory is a model for music education based on Edwin Gordon’s research on musical aptitude and achievement in the greater field of music learning theory. The theory is an explanation of music learning, based on audiation (see below) and students’ individual musical differences.

Who was Edwin Gordon?

Edwin E. Gordon was known throughout the world as a preeminent researcher, teacher, author, editor, and lecturer in the field of music education.

Why is audiation important?

Audiation takes our inner hearing one step further and gives us a process for organizing what we hear coherently. Adding context gives the sound meaning and allows us to hear musical sound with comprehension.

What is music audiation?

Audiation Defined Audiation is a process that encompasses both surface-structure and deep-structure understanding of music. Gordon was careful to explain that audiation is not imitation or memorization. Imitation is a necessary readiness for audiation, but audiation requires deepening levels of comprehension.

Does everyone have the ability to Audiate?

Everyone who has been exposed to music has the capacity to learn to audiate.

What does it mean to Audiate a song?

In explaining audiation, Gordon often stated, “Audiation is to music as thinking is to language.” We can audiate as we are listening to music or by remembering what we have heard in the past. We also can audiate while we are looking at notation or when creating new music.

What is a Microbeat?

The equal division of a macrobeat that establishes meter and rhythmic feel.

What are the best books on objective research in music education?

Designing objective research in music education. Chicago: GIA. Gordon, E. E. (1989a). Advanced measures of music audiation. Chicago: GIA. Gordon, E. E. (1989b). Audie. Chicago: GIA. Gordon, E. E. (2003). A music learning theory for newborn and young children. Chicago: GIA. Gordon, E. E. (2006). Buffalo: Music learning theory/resolutions and beyond.

What is the primary objective of the music education program?

The primary objective is development of students’ tonal and rhythm audiation. Through audiation students are able to draw greater meaning from the music they listen to, perform, improvise, and compose.

What are the best resources for developing musicianship in the classroom?

For those purposes, Gordon’s (2003) Improvisation in the Music Classroom and Developing Musicianship through Audation (Azzara and Grunow, 2006) are useful resources.

What are some of the criticisms of music learning theory?

Similar criticisms include accusations that Gordon’s skills-based programs of applying Music Learning Theory are “probably too narrow and limited in scope to provide students access to the diversity of musical belief systems, practices, and groups that exist”, a concern of writer Paul G. Woodford and music education theorist Bennett Reimer.