Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Education University of Hong Kong

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Matthew

Nearing the end of my wife’s visiting professorship in Japan, I’m delighted to share that our adventures in Asia will continue in Hong Kong. I will start work this summer as Associate Professor in the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts at … Continue reading →

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Sound studies and music education

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Matthew

The Journal of Aesthetic Education has published my overview of sound studies for those working in music education. I review the basic texts, some of the work of those in music education, and pose a few questions. This article explores how … Continue reading →

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Hacking a karaoke club for a New Year’s Jam

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Matthew

Who doesn’t love karaoke? During my latest visit to a karaoke club in Tokyo the TV was off, the microphones were left in their holders, and the disco ball did not spin. Instead, a group of friends who all play American 0ld-time … Continue reading →

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Japanese preschool art show

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Matthew

The drawings and paintings of students are a window into preschool life in Japan. These, from a local art show, are drawn from several schools. Marching band, trips to the ocean and the zoo, farming sweet potatoes or bamboo, collecting beetles, and viewing the … Continue reading →

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Japanese participatory music: Ukulele sing-along

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Matthew

Singing and playing together is common in Japan, and the ukulele has become quite popular here. For the third year in a row, I took part in the Ukulele Welcome Party in Toyama, Japan. It takes time to learn the … Continue reading →

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Anatomy of an origami frog

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Matthew

Yesterday, during a visit to an elementary school, a presenter from the city’s education bureau made a point about the complexity behind the simple act of making an origami frog. Showing the frog, he then opened up a piece of … Continue reading →

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Participatory music in Japan: Preschool marching band

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Matthew

Sports day, or undōkai (運動会), is a very important for participation and group cohesion. In Japan they exist at every school, and each neighborhood also has one in which people of every age participate together. The event typically weaves together music, dance, … Continue reading →

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Sound studies and Suzuki at NAfME Atlanta 2016

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Matthew

Sound Recording at the Heart of Pedagogy: Suzuki’s Method in America Thursday, March 17, 8:30 a.m. (Augusta Room 3) This historical study examines the mediated pedagogic techniques of the Suzuki Method. I explore the role of mothers as pedagogic and technological … Continue reading →

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Mursell and the psychology of music education (1940s edition)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Matthew

For those interested in the history of music education and psychology, here’s a real treasure from 70 years ago: the syllabus for ED 289I, “Psychological Foundations of Music Education” as taught by James Mursell at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Here’s … Continue reading →

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Participatory Music in Music Educators Journal

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Matthew

“Music Education for All through Participatory Ensembles,”  [Open access version at UF Repository here] appears in the December 2015 issue of Music Educators Journal. The article presents ideas from my immersion in participatory music—in particular from a chance to learn alongside … Continue reading →

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