When we think about approaches for teaching music, Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Orff usually come to mind.  Did you know there is another approach to teaching music called Music Learning Theory (commonly refered to as MLT)?  MLT is based on the research of Edwin E. Gordon, and it’s primary focus is teaching people how to audiate.

What is audiation? 

Simply, audiating is to music as thought is to language.  Audiation is hearing and comprehending music in a deep and meaningful way.   We can audiate in a variety of ways: listening to music, reading music, writing music, engaging in music dictation, composing music, and improvising music.  When we audiate, we hear music, then begin to bring meaning to what we hear by identifying and organizing patterns so that we can understand what we heard.  Some might listen to melody and begin to identify the resting tone as well as tonic and dominant chords to know that the song is in Major tonality.  Others may listen to the rhythmic structure of the piece and identify that the weak beats (microbeats) are organized in threes to know that the song is in Triple meter.  Some listen to the harmonic structure of the song or form and phrasing.  Once we begin to organize and synthesize this information, we begin to anticipate and predict what may happen next in the piece of music.  Guiding students to audiate gives them the ability to engage in music at a high level of understanding and builds a foundation of a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Want to know more about Music Learning Theory? 

Here are some great introductory videos about MLT.

Other Music Learning Theory Blogs 

You’ve already found my blog, but you might be interested in my school site, which has information that I share with parents about how I teach using a MLT approach.

Here are some other fabulous blogs by MLT practitioners:

Growing Up With Music by Natasha Sigmund

The Ways Children Learn Music by Eric Bluestine

MLT, Easy as Do, Re, Mi: A Music Learning Theory Classroom by Katie Burk

The Improving Musician by Andy Mullen

Mind, Muscle, Music & Myth by Ron Malanga

The Harmony Circle by Rosalia Schultz

Sunshine and Music by Erin Tabler 

Teach Music to Kids by Eric Rasmussen

GIML

Did you know there is an organization devoted to Music Learning Theory?  Read about the Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) here.  Check out all of the professional development certification levels and workshops being offered throughout the country!  You can take classes in Early Childhood Music, Elementary Music, Instrumental Music, and Piano!  There’s so many amazing ways to incorporate Music Learning Theory into any musical experience! 

Want to read more about Music Learning Theory? 

Here are some great first steps into MLT: 

Want to listen to some Podcasts about MLT? 

• Anacrusic Podcast: MLT with Jennifer Bailey from Singtokids
• Anacrusic Podcast: MLT with Cynthia CrumpTaggart

Want some great MLT inspired lessons? 

Check out these Pinterest boards:

Music Education: Music Learning Theory by Jennifer Bailey

Music Learning Theory by Sally Utley

Music Learning Theory by Michigan Music Education Association

Still have more questions about Music Learning Theory? 

Drop me a line below in the comments!

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