The place and value of composition in the music curriculum in Scotland

Jaap, A. (2023) The place and value of composition in the music curriculum in Scotland. In: Devaney, K., Fautley, M., Grow, J. and Ziegenmeyer, A. (eds.) The Routledge Companion to Teaching Music Composition in Schools: International Perspectives. Routledge, pp. 475-486. ISBN 9781032026268

Abstract

Composition, or “inventing” as it is sometimes known in the music curriculum in Scotland, provides opportunities for pupils to explore a range of musical concepts and genres through creating their own music. Composition as a curricular activity has never been as prevalent as it is today and is considered by teachers a practical and experiential way to encourage the development of musical awareness and expression through using a variety of creative techniques. This chapter explores the key developments around composition within the music curriculum in Scotland from the 1960s to the present day, including an overview of composition as part of the National Qualifications (NQs) framework, and some challenges which its inclusion presents. It concludes with some thoughts around future directions of composition and recommends the need for dedicated professional learning opportunities for teachers as a means to ensure it remains a core part of musical learning.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: eISBN: 9781003184317.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jaap, Dr Angela
• Authors: Jaap, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9781032026268