Chances and Choices
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In Chances and Choices, Stephanie Pitts surveys the aims and impact of formative musical experiences, evaluating the extent to which music education of various kinds provides a foundation for lifelong involvement and interest in music. Pitts draws upon rich qualitative data from her own extensive original study of over 100 adults with an active interest in music in the UK and Italy to address several key themes in the study of music education. Intertwined with discussion of topics such as music education policy and the role that music teachers and other role models play in nurturing musicians are first person 'interludes' that showcase the stories and voices of the research participants as they reflect upon the influences and opportunities that shaped their musical life histories. Pitts' analysis adds valuable context to these stories, illuminating the historical and contemporary debates about music education and proposing ways in which school music might better prepare young people for continued participation in music throughout their lives. A companion website contains Pitts' data sets and analytical frameworks; the website also features an interactive database through which readers can share their own musical life histories and search others that have been contributed there. Shedding new light on the long-term effects of music education, Chances and Choices is an important resource to understand how we can encourage lasting engagement with music and other cultural activities in every individual.Features
- Illustrates lifelong impact of music education
- Provides extensive and innovative collection of life history narratives
- Features a companion website with full report on all study participants and quantitative information
Reviews
"Generous in its examples of musical life histories, this hugely important publication is a wonderfully rich guide to understanding the diversity of musical lives within contemporary society. It enlightens and inspires readers to reconsider the many varied aspects of how music education shapes lifelong values, attitudes and skills." --Gary McPherson, Ormond Chair of Music and Director, Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne
"With this insightful and original contribution to a new and developing area of music-education studies, Stephanie Pitts has once again cast light on neglected issues. This book will engage and challenge all music educators who are concerned about not only their present practices, but the long-term impact of their work." --Lucy Green, Professor of Music Education, Institute of Education, University of London
About the Author(s)
Dr Stephanie Pitts is Reader in Music at the University of Sheffield. She is the author of A Century of Change in Music Education (Ashgate, 2000), Valuing Musical Participation (Ashgate, 2005) and, with Eric Clarke and Nicola Dibben, Music and Mind in Everyday Life (OUP, 2010).
