Music Education at a Crossroads ─ Realizing the Goal of Music for All

Barrett (music education, Northwestern U.) compiles seven presentations from the Centennial Congress of MENC, The National Association for Music Education, that address the challenges and opportunities faced by music educators in providing education for all students in the US. Music education scholars discuss the central mission of MENC to supply "balanced, comprehensive, sequential music education taught by qualified music teachers" and consider the key issues of the Congress, shared goals for music education, and why it is not yet universal. Topics like curriculum, music education throughout history, the National Standards, enhancing public acknowledgement, and the perspectives of school boards and state boards of education are also addressed. There is no index or bibliography. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Janet R. Barrett is associate professor of music education at the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University. She served as president of the North Central Division of MENC:The National Association for Music Education from 2004-2006.