The purpose of this study was to examine the life and work of Frank William Westhoff (1863-1938), a leader in music education during the progressive era (circa 1890s-1950s). Research questions focused on his work as a music supervisor, teacher educator, pedagogue, and textbook author. I also explored Westhoff's contributions to the profession and…

This historical investigation explores the life of George N. Heller (1941-2004) and his influence on historical research in music education and music therapy. By means of primary source materials, including preserved presentation resources and outlines, publications, and interviews, this historical investigation explores Heller's life and career…

At the end of the nineteenth century, music was an accomplishment that many women were encouraged to pursue. For some, this was merely an additional "ornament" to enhance marriage prospects, but a growing number took the opportunity to turn musical ability into a career option. A small group of musically educated women in New Zealand at…

Claude V. Palisca (1921-2001) was a prominent American musicologist and music educator. He authored books and articles about Renaissance and Baroque music theory and developments in musicology, but is most widely known as the founder and first editor of the "Norton Anthology of Western Music (NAWM)" and coauthor of "A History of…

Bennett Reimer's consistent, fifty-year argument for a feelingful aesthetic experience through various venues is at the heart of this review of his work. The experience is cognitive and holistic and can be advanced through better research in curriculum and assessment that supports musical knowing. To further all types of research Reimer…

Amongst the multiple key philosophers who have addressed critical issues pertaining to music education since the mid-1900s, Bennett Reimer was one voice that began a systematic examination of the nature and value of music and music education as a foundation for a philosophy of music education. With the musical experience at the center of his…

This essay addresses the relationship of improvisation and identity. Biographical research that was conducted by the author into professional musicians' lifelong learning showed the huge importance of improvisation for personal expression. Musically, the concept of "sound" appeared to serve as a strong metaphor for identity. In addition,…

In this column the author discusses several major works that came out in the 50-year period from the 1920s to the 1960s, as well as real-world examples that show that differentiated curriculum works and can make a difference in the lives of gifted learners. In the 1920s, Leta Hollingworth's work advocated a specialized curriculum for gifted…

This paper analyses a collection of musical life histories, drawn from 71 British respondents who have maintained a lifelong interest in music as regular concert-goers, amateur performers and/or music educators. These respondents reflect on the influences and opportunities which have contributed to their lifelong engagement in music, and in doing…

This article explores the life and character of electric guitarist Jimi Hendrix based on a review of the literature on gifted achievers and theories of Dabrowski and Vygotsky. Issues raised include the value of different musical education forms and the usefulness of motivational and creative attributes as indicators of gifted potential. (Contains…

Music service teachers' biographies and occupational stages are discussed in this article. The life histories of 28 instrumental and vocal teachers, aged between 22 and 60 years, are explored. These individuals work for a Local Education Authority music service in the United Kingdom. Their occupation entails travelling between various state…