The Music and Literacy Connection
3rd Edition
Published on 14. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
979-8-7651-6233-0 (ISBN)
Description
The Music and Literacy Connection is the primary source of in-depth information detailing the relationship between music learning, literacy, and reading.
This third edition delivers deeply researched information, provides classroom proven instructional approaches, and expands the value of music education to new heights. New to this edition:
- Updated scientific research about music and the brain that advocate and justify how music enhances student literacy
- More concise and contemporary verbiage and terminology
- Expanded supportive tools for contemporary pedagogical practices, including Universal Design for Learning, the Science of Reading, and advocacy for educating the whole child
Too often music classes at the elementary and secondary levels are shortened or eliminated in order for students to have more reading instruction, but that approach is often unsuccessful and potentially harmful. Music education not only reinforces critical sound-symbol relationships by sharpening the listening ear but also provides cultural and historical interdisciplinary perspectives. Music performance provides valuable social-emotional growth and skills that are important for the modern workplace.This edition is a must for reading in the content area courses designed for music educators, pedagogical "best practices" courses, professional development resources, book study, and curriculum directors.
This third edition delivers deeply researched information, provides classroom proven instructional approaches, and expands the value of music education to new heights. New to this edition:
- Updated scientific research about music and the brain that advocate and justify how music enhances student literacy
- More concise and contemporary verbiage and terminology
- Expanded supportive tools for contemporary pedagogical practices, including Universal Design for Learning, the Science of Reading, and advocacy for educating the whole child
Too often music classes at the elementary and secondary levels are shortened or eliminated in order for students to have more reading instruction, but that approach is often unsuccessful and potentially harmful. Music education not only reinforces critical sound-symbol relationships by sharpening the listening ear but also provides cultural and historical interdisciplinary perspectives. Music performance provides valuable social-emotional growth and skills that are important for the modern workplace.This edition is a must for reading in the content area courses designed for music educators, pedagogical "best practices" courses, professional development resources, book study, and curriculum directors.
Reviews / Votes
With a comprehensive approach to conceptualizing literacy, The Music and Literacy Connection provides practical ideas that can be easily tailored to specific learners and contexts. Readers from various fields and educational backgrounds will value the plethora of engaging, research-informed suggestions to concurrently enhance students' literacy across multiple disciplines. -- Mara E. Culp * Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, USA * Gone are the days of teaching music for music's sake alone; music education must instead support the development of the whole child, encompassing both musical and extramusical literacies. This book clearly articulates the advocacy many educators intuitively understand yet often struggle to express, offering a multidisciplinary, research-informed perspective on literacy development within today's technological context. This edition is an absolute treasure for scholars and music education professionals! -- Christina L. Svec * Assistant Professor of Music Education, University of Kansas, USA * Just like previous editions, this 3rd edition also delivers. The detailed brain research offers valuable insights and advocates for the importance of both music and literacy in education. Plus, the practical activities included for teachers and students make it not only educational but also really useful. Whether you're looking for ways to teach the connection strand of the National Core Music Standards or aiming to create effective integrative strategies, this book is a fantastic resource. -- Suzanne N. Hall * Associate Professor of Music Education, Temple University, USA * This is a must-read for every educator, scholar, parent, and advocate! The authors have done a masterful job amplifying the importance of the well-studied connection between music and literacy and highlighting relevant applications for the modern music classroom. Each chapter strengthens the impact music has on students and provides practical examples of how intentional music making supports learning across any discipline. -- Scott R. Sheehan * former president, National Association for Music Education; educator, advocate, and leader in music education, Hollidaysburg Area School District, USA *More details
Series
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Illustrations
29 tables, 2 bw photos, 35 bw line art
Dimensions
Height: 153 mm
Width: 244 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
544 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-7651-6233-0 (9798765162330)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Dee Hansen | Elaine Bernstorf
The Music and Literacy Connection
E-Book
04/2026
3rd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€35.49
Available for download
Dee Hansen | Elaine Bernstorf
The Music and Literacy Connection
E-Book
04/2026
3rd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€35.49
Available for download
Persons
Dee Hansen is Professor Emerita of Music Education at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, USA. She served as Director of Hartt Graduate Studies, Chair of Graduate Studies in Music Education, and was Director of The Hartt Summerterm graduate program.
Elaine Bernstorf is Professor of Music Education and former Associate Dean of Fine Arts at Wichita State University, USA, with specializations in general, special/adaptive, and early childhood music education.
Elaine Bernstorf is Professor of Music Education and former Associate Dean of Fine Arts at Wichita State University, USA, with specializations in general, special/adaptive, and early childhood music education.
Content
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Foundations I: Structure, Functions, and Implications of Music and Literacy Learning and the Brain
2. Foundations II: Literacy through Music: Memory, Cognition, Motivation, and Fundamental Decoding Skills
3. Decoding: Structured Literacy for Reading and Music
4. Comprehension: The Key to Long-Term Understanding
5.Composing and Writing in the Music Classroom: A Gateway to Artistic Literacy
6. Considerations, Adaptations, Enhancements
7. Learning Language through Musical Play
8. Common Connections: Skills and Concepts for Lifelong Learning
9. Literacy Connections for Secondary Ensembles and Beyond
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Foundations I: Structure, Functions, and Implications of Music and Literacy Learning and the Brain
2. Foundations II: Literacy through Music: Memory, Cognition, Motivation, and Fundamental Decoding Skills
3. Decoding: Structured Literacy for Reading and Music
4. Comprehension: The Key to Long-Term Understanding
5.Composing and Writing in the Music Classroom: A Gateway to Artistic Literacy
6. Considerations, Adaptations, Enhancements
7. Learning Language through Musical Play
8. Common Connections: Skills and Concepts for Lifelong Learning
9. Literacy Connections for Secondary Ensembles and Beyond
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Index