Book Description
"Three visual metaphors introduce distinct vantage points for viewing music as a school subject: as a separate discipline with clearly defined boundaries that maintain its traditions and subject matter identity; as used instrumentally to address contemporary problems, softening its subject matter distinctions through melding and blending with other subjects; and as a permeable area of study that is both influenced by and in turn influences other areas of human experience. The metaphors suggest orientations to subject matter that are often mirrored in patterns of school organization or reform proposals. The chapter presents an argument for permeability that builds upon a strong subject matter orientation for music while enabling, even advocating, for its expansion into closely related realms of meaning. The chapter establishes the central premise for teachers drawn to an interdisciplinary perspective to music teaching and learning, taking shape and direction from this metaphor of permeability"--