Learning Theories

Abstract

Effective music educators often recognize that there is more than one way to teach a musical objective and understand that a specific approach may be more appropriate than another in a given setting. To meet contemporary demands, music educators need to be smart—understanding the nuances of various theories of learning, savvy—understanding their own learning style and how that may affect teaching effectiveness, and sensitive—understanding that teaching is situated in particular contexts. The music teacher’s full potential may not be fully realized, however, unless that person is skilled enough to teach in a variety of ways. In this article, the author provides a basic overview and examples of diverse approaches to the classroom and offers practical suggestions for implementing these ideas in music classrooms.