Free to Be Musical

Reviews / Votes

In the previous decade, music making received increased attention within schools of music, K-12 classrooms, and community music-making endeavors. Often these experiences required participants to be able to translate musical notation into sound. This approach is limiting and often forecloses music-making experiences for those unable to read music. Free to Be Musical serves as a resource for educators who want to create inclusive and meaningful musical experiences for all. Higgins (Boston Univ.) and Campbell (Univ. of Washington) use the perspective of community music making and group improvisation. The book is structured in three parts. 'Orientation' introduces the foundations for music making and the terminology used throughout the text. 'Events' presents 21 musical experiences. Each event is aligned with National Standards for Music Education, and necessary materials and ideas for event extensions are provided. Finally, 'Connectives' provides ideas for the further development of the 21 events through curriculum, community music-making experiences, and music therapy. The emphasis on the making of music through events that are inclusive makes this text a welcome addition to the library of music teachers, music therapists, and organizers of community music-making experiences. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and practitioners. * Choice Reviews * The events are laid out clearly, with description, corresponding MENC national standards, focus, resources and directions for the facilitator. ... The book will provide a valuable resource if you would like to incorporate more improvisational activities into your classes. Teachers with little experience in improvisation will get the most benefit from this book. More experienced teachers may find that the events give a starting point for other activities. * American Music Teacher * No other book provides what Higgins and Campbell have created-a uniquely practical curriculum for musical improvisation designed around collaborative 'workshops' of imaginative 'events' and 'connectives.' This book is brilliant in its scope, sequence, and flexibility. -- David J. Elliott, director of music education, New York University Free to be Musical provides an ideal introduction to creativity and music making. This resource should be in the library of every novice through seasoned music teacher, whether teaching public school or a community group. The activities are flexible, fun, non-intimidating and open ended; they would be a joy to share with others! Most teachers and musicians will see these as springboards to a myriad of further musical explorations. -- Dr. Jeffrey Bush, associate director, Academic Affairs, Arizona State University Free to Be Musical is a beautifully written invitation to improvisation that acknowledges the past but leads us to a musical future that is full of possibilities. An intelligent yet approachable resource for those who want to help guide musicians to celebrate their musical voice, this book provides valuable guidance from experienced practitioner-scholars about how to open our doors to the global concept of music making. -- Debbie Rohwer, PhD, Chair of Music Education, University of North Texas