Book excerpt: For nearly fifty years, Edwin E. Gordon has been searching for the answers to this question using his research-based Music Learning Theory. In The Development and Practical Application of Music Learning Theory, 31 authors, all experts in their fields, take up the challenge raised by Gordon--to continually improve classroom music instruction in truly practical ways. Some of the questions addressed include: • How can Music Learning Theory and Orff Schulwerk be combined in the general music classroom for maximum learning? • Why are healthy singing techniques so important when introducing Gordon's solfege system? • How can Music Learning Theory be applied to beginning senior citizen musicians? • In what ways can a better understanding of rhythm and sight-singing methods improve even college-level aural skills and theory instruction? • What does world music offer proponents of Music Learning Theory? The Development and Practical Application of Music Learning Theory is a must for anyone interested in further exploring how children learn music and what the implications are for day-to-day classroom instruction. This is a revision of the book Readings in Music Learning Theory. - Publisher