An analysis of band method books: Implications of culture, composer, and type of music

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education

ISSN

0010-9894

Issue

161-162

First Page

47

Last Page

56

Publication Date

12-1-2004

Abstract

This paper examines provenance of source material for five contemporary band methods and an historic instrumental method. Melodies were analyzed for composer, type of music, culture, and whether authentic or contrived. Most current method books represent more cultures, compared to the Universal Teacher of 1923, and contain more non-Western European source material. Six countries besides the USA comprised over 5% of the material in at least one current method (Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Russia). Two countries not seen in the Universal Teacher were included in all current methods. On average, material from the USA accounted for 36% of the current methods' melodies, compared to 41% for the Universal Teacher. Modern methods include far more classical and folk music and structure many more exercises in specific pedagogical sequences. Results reveal contributions of specific composers, including music educators of the early 1900's. Societal aspects, such as reliance on singing, are discussed.

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