What inspires us to become musicians, teachers—and, ultimately, teachers of music? How can we best communicate that insatiable passion for music and musicianship to our students? And is there a way to build that passion and meaning into our lesson plans, curricula, and programs?

This remarkable and compelling book by Elizabeth Sokolowski asks these big questions and serves as an important bridge between passion and practical implementation of music learning in the classroom.

Topics covered include rigor and relevance, a professional framework for teaching, leadership and advocacy, creativity and self-expression, lesson plan design, and inspiration.

Sokolowski defines the strong connection between rigorous educational teaching and the relevance of music in education. Ultimately, this book can serve as a foundation for developing any comprehensive K-12 music education program. Making Musical Meaning is a clarion call for all of us to share the immeasurable beauty of music by nurturing the lifelong potential of our students. Unforgettable!

Elizabeth Sokolowski is Head of the Music Education Division of the School of Music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA.

Elizabeth presents a new paradigm for designing a comprehensive music education program that is extremely important for music program survival.

 

—Edward S. Lisk, Conductor, Clinician, Author