From sound to symbol : a critical analysis of contemporary Australian music theory pedagogy

Abstract

For at least 450 years Western culture has produced music that has been described as 'tonal'. With this music came strict rules that have been taught to multiple generations of student musicians. In contemporary Australia, these guidelines seem to present considerable challenges for many pre-tertiary music students and their teachers. There is a growing body of evidence to show that students are creating harmony 'mathematically', without mentally 'hearing' what is written. Evidence for this consists of examination results and reports written by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) federal examiners, as well as the results of students' university entrance examinations. Music Craft was published by the AMEB to give teachers support in the teaching of music literacy, tonal harmony, and aural skills. This dissertation argues that music teachers need more support in the teaching of tonal harmony and related aural skills. Music Craft is analysed here to determine whether the support provided in this new course is sufficient and asks whether the workbooks and compact discs are a thorough and incremental method of teaching and learning. Chapter One sets out historical and educational contexts, providing a critical survey of: philosophies of teaching and learning by important theorists and pedagogues from c.1000 to 1952; texts by Australian writers on the teaching of harmony; old and new chord symbols; aural skills; and the importance of the private music studio. Chapter Two offers an analysis of Music Craft and examines the results of a Questionnaire sent to 60 private music teachers in the Australian Capital Territory. It makes observations on the relationship between written and aural exercises and the incremental introduction of harmony in Music Craft. The Questionnaire contains 23 questions and asks what further support teachers need in the teaching of theory and aural skills. Chapter Three discusses the results of this research and makes recommendations for future action.