Music, the Brain & Learning

Music, the Brain & Learning

ONLINE
September 21–December 13, 2020

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 and 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.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze their own personal learning and instructional style

• Identify and use the concepts and practices of action research

• Conduct a short action research project in a personal area of interest

• Identify basic brain function and anatomy as it relates to learning, retention and mastery

• Discuss brain function as it applies to music instruction and practice

• Identify the connections between music learning, instruction and brain function with cultural relevance, diverse learners, and current music instructional practice

• Apply principles of music learning, teaching and brain function to planning for music instruction

Instructor: Elizabeth Allison

Elizabeth Allison is a highly respected educator, 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. Currently, Allison is Professor of Music Education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she teaches Music Education Methods; Music, the Brain and Learning; Multicultural Approaches to Music; and Philosophy of Education. She is the advisor to the Berklee NAfME chapter and a Senior ETUDE Scholar in Diversity and Equity. Allison has received two Berklee Urban Service awards, one for founding the KidsJam program, and one for faculty development work with Berklee CityMusic. She was named Student Activities Advisor of the Year in 2012 and received the Berklee Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019.
        
Allison 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, “Libby” has served the Massachusetts Music Education Association on the Executive Board in several positions; presented at state, division and national conferences. Her work has been recognized with a Distinguished Service Award and the Excellence in General Music Award. She is also an active member of the Association of Popular Music Education (APME).