Why and How

Administrators and faculty around the country are working together to examine teaching approaches that better meet the needs of the 21st-century music student. These conversations have led to many institutions redesigning their curriculum. However, before any specific curricular decisions are made, the question of “why” changes are needed should be addressed and discussed. Based on several research studies, there are new trends in topics that are taught in both music theory and aural skills, and the ordering of material and the pace vary between institutions. There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum, and it is up to administrators and faculty to better understand the curriculum design that best fits the needs of individual students in their program.