Building on her earlier work, The Power of Music: A Research Synthesis of the Impact of Actively Making Music on the Intellectual, Social and Personal Development of Children and Young People, this volume by Susan Hallam and Evangelos Himonides is an important new resource in the field of music education. It synthesises research in neuroscience, psychology, and education to understand the effects of listening to and actively making music. Its chapters address music’s relationship with literacy and numeracy, transferable skills, its impact on social cohesion and personal wellbeing, as well as the roles that music plays in our everyday lives.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
This would be an appropriate resource for an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course in media or popular culture. Some readings/chapters could be used to demonstrate the application of the functionalist perspective in the analysis of societal cultural elements. Others could be used to discuss how music influences social movements and social change.
Technical Requirements:
None.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This is an excellent analysis of the literature regarding the function of music in society. For sociology, the following chapters may be of particular interest:
Although not written for a sociological audience (music education), it offers several chapters that can be used to explore sociological themes - social cohesion/bonding, transmission of cultural heritage, social change, and social conflict. The ideas presented have been grounded in relevant scholarly research.
Concerns:
none
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This book is designed for students studying music education and therapy. The introduction provides a clear overview of the text's purpose and the knowledge needed to use it effectively. Each chapter provides connections to early chapters when relevant. The chapters are self-contained and could be used individually to demonstrate relevant sociological themes/perspectives.
Concerns:
Areas for Enhancement
The book’s academic tone and length may challenge first-year undergraduates; instructors may need to guide learners with reading questions or summary aids.
Limited inclusion of multimedia or interactive learning components means that instructors must supplement with videos, podcasts, or music demonstrations for engagement.
For introductory-level students, it would be best as a lecture resource.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The textbook is easy to use. Each chapter can be accessed directly without need to download the entire text. This is an advanced textbook, and therefore, it is not visually appealing or interactive. It is "academic" reading. However, music is a topic of interest to many students!
Concerns:
The addition of interactive multimedia (audio clips, short videos, or infographics) could increase engagement, particularly for visual and auditory learners.
Providing downloadable teaching aids (e.g., PowerPoint slides, discussion guides, or assessment rubrics) would further assist instructors.
Creative Commons:
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