Music for Elementary Classroom Teachers:  by Charles  Hoffer
219 pages, $47.95 list
1-57766-322-5
978-1-57766-322-5
eBook availability
Music for Elementary Classroom Teachers
There is no question that music makes a significant contribution to the quality of human life and that music can play a valuable role in the learning of virtually all subjects taught in the elementary schools. Music for Elementary School Teachers is a concise, easy-to-understand book that covers the essentials of what future elementary classroom teachers need to know in the area of music. It emphasizes the cooperative-supportive role of elementary classroom teachers with music teachers and demonstrates how music can be used with other curricular and classroom activities to enhance and enrich the learning of all subjects. Furthermore, the text's comprehensive coverage is more than adequate for those teachers who find themselves responsible for all the music instruction their students will receive.

Outstanding features include: Hoffer's presentation is easy to comprehend and is unintimidating for future classroom teachers who have had little music instruction themselves; the number of topics and the depth of coverage are in sync with what most future classroom teachers will use; many helpful suggestions on how to involve music with the teaching and learning of all subjects and with classroom management are valuable for both prospective and practicing teachers; the inclusion of "projects" and "review questions" ensures the maximum comprehension of the material presented in the text; "Skill Development" sections facilitate the learning of rudimentary skills in making music and understanding music notation and provide the opportunities to practice and perfect these skills; a variety of songs and other music complement the text and add to the enjoyment and ease of learning the material.
Reactions
"This text was what I was looking for! It explains the power of music and development of children in relation to music." — Marla Pankratz, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

"I appreciate the practical approach of the text with musical examples inserted throughout. In spite of its compact size and reasonable price, this text covers a broad spectrum of topics. Charles Hoffer is a trusted name in music education circles." — Linda J. Miller, Pacific Lutheran University

"I love this book. It's what I've been looking for—less theory, without ignoring what students need to know. Plus, it's more hands on." — Joel Knudsen, Butler County Community College

"I was impressed enough to order it for next semester. I have not used a text for the last few years because the ones I found, although appropriate for a music educator, were far too detailed for classroom teachers and, at $75, I could not justify the student expense." — Carol Zabinski, Rhode Island College

"This is exactly what I need! I love the organization of the book, the perfect amount of detail and skills knowledge, and its practical information. A winner!" — Diane Earle, Kentucky Wesleyan College

"I really like your book. It is a handy size; it covers almost everything we need concisely, with great songs to go with each topic." — Gwen Threadgill, Troy University

"Well-written, very thorough, and easily understood, with thought-provoking questions for discussion in class and practical suggestions for projects to enhance the course content. I would recommend it to any music education professor teaching an elementary methods course." — Charles Wells, Northern Kentucky University

"This book is exactly what I have been looking for! It will work very well in my class, and the students will appreciate the price!" — Liz Teel, University of Sioux Falls
Table of Contents
Part I. MUSIC IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS
1. The Importance of Music
2. The Teachers of Music
3. Planning Music Instruction

Part II. DEVELOPING BASIC MUSICAL COMPETENCIES
4. Fundamentals of Music: Rhythm
5. Fundamentals of Music: Pitch
6. Singing and Playing Instruments

Part III. HELPING TO TEACH MUSIC
7. Teaching Rhythm
8. Singing in Elementary School Classrooms
9. Teaching about Melodies
10. Listening to Music
11. Tone Quality and Playing Instruments
12. Creating Music
13. Music and Movement

Part IV. ENRICHING ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS WITH MUSIC
14. Enriching the Curriculum with Music
15. Music and the Classroom Atmosphere
16. Music and Special Learners
Appendix A. Music Books
Appendix B. Recorder Fingering Chart