Teaching Music in the Urban Classroom is not a panacea. No manual on any subject, much less the teaching of music, can provide all of the answers to all of the trials of teaching in the urban classroom. This one is, however, a good first step. Why? Music educators play several roles in their professional lives. These include roles as students, leaders, and partners with other leaders. Sometimes their definitions blur, and the roles vary in sequence and timing. The pace of change in their roles is often accelerated for dedicated teachers in urban school classrooms. The contributors to this book have experienced the thrills and the challenges of urban classrooms. Their passionate commitment to helping others like them by sharing their knowledge and experiences compliments your own passionate commitment to success, both for yourself and for your students. So as you move into the urban classroom, let the music begin!
Brenda Welburn, executive director, The National Association of State Boards of Education Urban music educators, administrators, and those training music education students will find this book a valuable resource. Comprehensive in scope, it combines real-life experience with scholarly research to provide an excellent, practical guide for dealing with the issues confronting urban music education. I would highly recommend this much needed resource to everyone involved in the profession.
Natalie Ozeas, director of the Preparatory School, associate professor of music education, and associate head, School of Music, Carnegie Melon