Rote Instruction in Secondary Instrumental Music Classrooms: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Rote versus note beginning instrumental pedagogy has been an active topic for music educators. Traditional method books have often comprised a significant portion of beginning instrumental curricula, though content has varied and may have been based on convention. Advocates of a rote-before-note approach have recommended that singing, movement, developing aural skills, teaching expressiveness, and creativity may provide students with enhanced contextual knowledge and experiences to better learn to read notation. However, there may be gaps in research of music reading and teaching method. This literature review includes a discussion of the history of rote and note education in the United States, an overview of five major pedagogical approaches, and an examination of music reading and performance research. The article is intended to initiate a discussion of teaching methods, practices, and curriculum selection for developing literacy and performance skills in secondary instrumental music classrooms.

Research-to-Resource: Rethinking Method Course Instruction

“…Research has shown that beginning instrumentalists can improve their performance skills when they experience music before reading notation and focus on one task at a time (Grey, 2020). Although undergraduate music education students in method courses have extensive prior musical knowledge, their macro- and micro-motor skills need to develop.…”

“…They may benefit from a rote instruction approach to focus on the performance aspects of an instrument through an aural model. Grey (2020) found that learning to play an instrument by rote can help beginning instrumentalists improve their technical skills such as embouchure, fingerings, and producing a characteristic tone. Once preservice music educators have learned the basics of singing or playing an instrument, they can learn other concepts (e.g., reading notation in an unfamiliar clef) and shift their focus from performance to teaching skills.…”

파이어라벤드의 대화식 솔페지 음악교수법 - 12단계의 원리와 교수 학습 방법의 실제 -

“…Similarly, toddlers might remember and sing a song without grasping its musical significance or its context and content. Grey (2020) reinforced the notion that incorporating rote learning in the early stages of music instruction prior to reading notation might enhance a more internalized understanding of music. Related, Musco (2010) in the literature review study collectively concluded that aural-based instruction (i.e., rote learning) was found to be effective.…”

Effective Strategies Utilizing Street-Smart Wealth to Bridge the Educational Poverty Gap in Accounting Education in the United States

“…The traditional "one-size-fits-all" approach to education is increasingly becoming obsolete. Recognizing the unique journey and strengths of each student allows for a more tailored, effective educational experience (Grey 2020). Given the diverse backgrounds and financial understanding of students, personalized learning paths (Raj and Renumol 2022;Shemshack and Spector 2020) that allow for internships, community projects, or entrepreneurial ventures can tap into the strengths of those with streetsmart experiences.…”

“…Given the diverse backgrounds and financial understanding of students, personalized learning paths (Raj and Renumol 2022;Shemshack and Spector 2020) that allow for internships, community projects, or entrepreneurial ventures can tap into the strengths of those with streetsmart experiences. Such tailored approaches not only cater to individual learning styles but also ensure that each student's potential is fully realized (Grey 2020).…”