Freedman in the Classroom
Date
1974
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ontario Music Educators' Association
Abstract
Description
Shand describes composer Harry Freedman’s project which questions and potentially
revitalizes classroom teaching of beginner band instruments. Freedman objects to
the “band method” principle that unison playing is the best start for the beginning
ensemble, and he points out that these “first” notes are awkward for many instruments.
Instead, he has written a series of pieces which embrace comfortable starting points for
all instruments, resulting in music which immediately uses tone clusters. Additionally,
he advocates for transparent rather than tutti textures, so that students can hear their
own playing and intonation. He also recognizes that musical intelligence is not limited
by “beginner” technique, and he uses mixed meter and chance procedures, mixed with
contemporary music notation to encourage ear training and dialogue about compositional
technique.
Keywords
music education in Canada, Harry Freedman, Canadian educational music, student performers, school instrumental instruction, contemporary music notation, teaching musical concepts, teaching compositional techniques, ear training
Citation
Shand, Patricia. “Freedman in the Classroom.” The Recorder. Vol. 17, No. 1 (Sept. 1974), pp.10-15. Reprinted with permission of the author and the co-editors from Vol. XVI I , No. 1 (Season 17) of The Recorder, the journal of the Ontario Music Educators' Association.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada
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