Progressive Musicianship

"Progressive Musicianship" by Jennifer Gillan is a comprehensive music education textbook designed to help students develop their music literacy and musicianship skills. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Music Literacy: The book focuses on teaching music literacy through a carefully selected sequence of graded songs and musical exercises.
2. Musicianship: It aims to build musicianship skills by providing systematic and progressive lessons that cover various aspects of music understanding and performance.
3. Graded Songs and Exercises: The book includes a variety of songs and exercises tailored to different levels of proficiency, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into two volumes, with Volume I introducing foundational concepts and Volume II building on these concepts at a more challenging level. Each volume explores similar themes but with increasing complexity. The content includes:

• Pentatonic Scales: The second edition of Volume II begins with pentatonic scales other than 'do,' which helps students understand and apply musical concepts in a more nuanced way.
• Music Analysis: The book also includes elements of music analysis, which helps students develop their critical listening skills and understand the structure and composition of music.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not readily available, the book has been well-received by educators and students in the music education community. Jennifer Gillan's expertise in music education and her experience in creating educational materials are highly regarded. The book's structured approach and graded exercises make it a valuable resource for music teachers and students alike.

Additional Resources

• Teacher Support: There are additional resources available, such as videos and workshops, designed to help teachers implement the book's methods effectively. For example, a series of videos by Jenny Gillan provides practical tips and demonstrations on how to use the textbook in the classroom.
• Author's Background: Jennifer Gillan is a respected figure in music education, having written several textbooks, including "Listening Beyond Hearing" and "Progressive Musicianship Volumes 1 and 2".

In summary, "Progressive Musicianship" by Jennifer Gillan is a highly structured and comprehensive textbook that aims to enhance music literacy and musicianship skills through a systematic and progressive approach. Its graded exercises and focus on music analysis make it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced learners in music education.