Compelling Testimony Honors the Legacy of Generations of Music Educators in New Publication
A Concise History of American Music Education Now Available from MENC: The National Association for Music Education and Rowman & Littlefield Education
RESTON, VA (November 7, 2008) – A Concise History of American Music Education, a new publication by Michael L. Mark and published by MENC: The National Association for Music Education and Rowman & Littlefield 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.
“[This book] tells the story of American music education with erudition and clarity,” said Bennett Reimer, John W. Beattie Professor of Music Education Emeritus, Northwestern University. “All music educators and others who want to and need to know the colorful history of the largest arts education field in American schools will be amply rewarded by Mark’s scholarship, which succeeds in being both succinct and thorough. This book is an important addition to the foundational literature of this field.”
The book covers European music education in early times, the development of music as a curricular subject, professional education organizations, the broadening music curriculum, the expansion of music education, and music education in the 21st century. It offers complete information on professional organizations, materials, techniques, and personalities in music education.
Michael L. Mark is the author of several books, including Contemporary Music Education and Source Readings in Music Education History. He is professor emeritus at Towson University (Maryland) where he also served as dean of the Graduate School. His interest in music education history can be traced back to his own days as a graduate student at the school of music at the University of Michigan. “Music education has a long, proud history and has made a significant contribution to our society as a whole,” Mark says. “I hope that my book will help us realize how we got to where we are today, and that as music educators, we have a longstanding sense of community.” Mark also hopes that sense of community will lead music educators to understand the need for music education advocacy, which will help to sustain the profession over time.
A Concise History of American Music Education is available from RLE in paperback for $24.95 and clothbound for $70.00. MENC members receive a discount of 25%. To order or for more information, call 800-462-6420 or visit www.rowmaneducation.com.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world’s largest arts education organization, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 142,000 members and supporters represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.
