Music Teaching Ashley Danyew Music Teaching Ashley Danyew

039 - A Creative, Integrated Approach to Teaching Music Theory

Often in our teaching and learning experiences, music theory is taught as a standalone subject. We have theory books in our private studios, AP Theory in high school, and a sequence of theory classes at the college and graduate level.

Theory courses and books are a good thing, don't get me wrong. We need to develop an understanding of theory and musical structure just like we need to develop an understanding of syntax and grammar in language. But I've been wondering lately if there's a better way to incorporate these learning experiences and theoretical conversations into our teaching, especially when teaching online.

How can we as music educators make more connections between music theory and music practice, between the analysis and study of music and the actual creation of it? How can we make music theory more experiential?

That's what we're going to talk about today.

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Hi, I’m Ashley—

A musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping you lead and teach with creativity and confidence. Here, I share creative teaching ideas and practical resources to help you build a successful career as a musician and teacher.

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