Music, the Brain, and Learning
Date
June 9-August 1, 2025
Online
Course Code
8025B
Credits
3
Tuition
$1146
Course Description
Students will explore current research and best practices in music learning and teaching with respect to brain anatomy, development, and function, psychological and sociological intersections, personal learning styles and habits with a focus on music teaching methods. Culturally responsive teaching will be examined as it pertains to accommodating differently abled music learners, students of widely varying cultures and traditional music learning and teaching methodologies. Course participants will examine current practice as well as analyze their own practice and devise practical approaches to planning for and implementing music instruction. The course is designed to allow participant learners to pursue their personal interests and professional practices and to provide an opportunity for reflection and revision or reinforcement of their practices.
Instructor
Libby Allison is a teacher, musician, professional development provider, and facilitator in the areas of pedagogy, music classroom methods, culturally responsive teaching, innovative practice, and faculty learning communities. She has taught preK–12 music in public and private schools, and finds great joy in working with students of all ages. She is currently professor of music education at Berklee College of Music, where she teaches such courses as Music Education Methods; Music, the Brain, and Learning; Multicultural Approaches to Music; and Philosophy of Education. She is the advisor to the Berklee National Association for Music Education (NAfME) chapter and a Senior ETUDE Scholar in diversity and equity. The recipient of two Berklee Urban Service Awards for founding the KidsJam program and for faculty development work with Berklee City Music®, she was the student activities advisor of the year in 2012 and the recipient of the Berklee Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019. She has conducted professional development and conference clinics in Europe, Mexico, and around the U.S., and has published articles in a variety of journals. As a member of NAfME, Allison has served the Massachusetts Music Educators Association on the executive board in several positions; presented at state, division, and national conferences; and been recognized with a Distinguished Service award and the Excellence in General Music award. She is also an active member of the Association for Popular Music Education and teaches graduate-level courses online.