PUBLISHED ARTICLES
The Savant Syndrome: A Review of the Literature for the Music Educator
Abstract
Though music educators work with students who have a special learning need or a gifted ability on a daily basis, encountering a student who has both can be unexpected. The literature presented here can be used as a basis for information pertaining to terminology, studies and theories that attempt to explain the savant syndrome, how to identify it, and what factors are important in ensuring they are successful in the music classroom. Articles were obtained using scholarly databases. Factual information about the syndrome is readily agreed on, but why and how the syndrome happens is still a matter of debate. Some successful teaching methods have been replicated in multiple studies, yet the research in this area is still evolving. Nevertheless, these resources create a stepping-stone that the music educator can use to supplement his or her knowledge of working with savant students.
St. Denis, E. (2015). "The Savant Syndrome: A review of the literature for the music educator." Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 33(2), 5-12. doi:10.1177/8755123314540658
Published in: Update: Applications of Research in Music Education
Abstract
Though music educators work with students who have a special learning need or a gifted ability on a daily basis, encountering a student who has both can be unexpected. The literature presented here can be used as a basis for information pertaining to terminology, studies and theories that attempt to explain the savant syndrome, how to identify it, and what factors are important in ensuring they are successful in the music classroom. Articles were obtained using scholarly databases. Factual information about the syndrome is readily agreed on, but why and how the syndrome happens is still a matter of debate. Some successful teaching methods have been replicated in multiple studies, yet the research in this area is still evolving. Nevertheless, these resources create a stepping-stone that the music educator can use to supplement his or her knowledge of working with savant students.
St. Denis, E. (2015). "The Savant Syndrome: A review of the literature for the music educator." Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 33(2), 5-12. doi:10.1177/8755123314540658
Published in: Update: Applications of Research in Music Education
ESSAYS
EDUCATION
Savants and Autism:
Is there a relationship and what does it mean for the music educator?
Abstract
This paper is the product of an independent study that was completed at Ithaca College in the fall of 2011. The purpose of this study was to investigate the history of the Savant Syndrome, how it was related to autism, and what the implications were for a music educator. The history and symptoms of the syndrome are explained in this paper. In addition, methods for identification of students with the Savant Syndrome, as well as ways in which all teachers can help such students succeed, are considered. Lastly, specific ways in which the music educator can empower and provide a place for growth for these students is illustrated.
Is there a relationship and what does it mean for the music educator?
Abstract
This paper is the product of an independent study that was completed at Ithaca College in the fall of 2011. The purpose of this study was to investigate the history of the Savant Syndrome, how it was related to autism, and what the implications were for a music educator. The history and symptoms of the syndrome are explained in this paper. In addition, methods for identification of students with the Savant Syndrome, as well as ways in which all teachers can help such students succeed, are considered. Lastly, specific ways in which the music educator can empower and provide a place for growth for these students is illustrated.
PSYCHOLOGY
The Importance of Live Music
Why the Practice of Live Music Must be Reclaimed
Abstract:
In recent years, music has become devalued in our society. Although there are many reasons for this, the recording industry has much to do with this desensitization. By analyzing the studies of trained music therapists and the beneficial affects of live music over recorded music, the goal of this paper will be to address why one should favor the former of the latter. Where medicine fails, music can succeed. The studies presented in this essay have proven that music can be used as an alternative medicine for the body. Although not necessarily as economically savvy and convenient as recorded music, live music does indeed have more health benefits than recorded music and therefore it must be reclaimed and valued once more.
Why the Practice of Live Music Must be Reclaimed
Abstract:
In recent years, music has become devalued in our society. Although there are many reasons for this, the recording industry has much to do with this desensitization. By analyzing the studies of trained music therapists and the beneficial affects of live music over recorded music, the goal of this paper will be to address why one should favor the former of the latter. Where medicine fails, music can succeed. The studies presented in this essay have proven that music can be used as an alternative medicine for the body. Although not necessarily as economically savvy and convenient as recorded music, live music does indeed have more health benefits than recorded music and therefore it must be reclaimed and valued once more.
HISTORY
How the Aesthetic of Romanticism Manifested Itself in Art and Music in the Nineteenth Century
An Analysis of Selected Examples
Abstract:
Revolutionary is just one word that very effectively describes nineteenth century art and civilization. These were changing times and artists and musicians latched onto the newly excepted emotionally driven ways of expression. They were finally allowed to free themselves from the strict guidelines of the Enlightenment era. This phenomenon pushed society into the 21st Century.
An Analysis of Selected Examples
Abstract:
Revolutionary is just one word that very effectively describes nineteenth century art and civilization. These were changing times and artists and musicians latched onto the newly excepted emotionally driven ways of expression. They were finally allowed to free themselves from the strict guidelines of the Enlightenment era. This phenomenon pushed society into the 21st Century.
Stravinsky's Ballet Russes
An Analysis of the Ballets and What Lead to their Receptions
Abstract:
The Diaghilev-Stravinsky partnership is one of the most infamous partnerships among artists in history. Stravinsky wrote the music to three of Diaghilev's Ballet Russes and each ballet received a very different reaction at its premiere. On one end of the spectrum is The Firebird, generally tonally safe and accepted. In the middle is Petrushka which dares to be more exotic in its sonorities. And finally, The Rite of Spring, which caused a riot at the premiere. The aim of this paper will be to analyze why each ballet was accepted in such contrasting ways.
Theory
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Sonata in C Minor, K457, Movement I
An Analysis
Abstract
This paper analyzes Mozart's Piano Sonata in C Minor, K457, Movement I. There is discussion of the use of the "Mannheim Rocket" as well as the ambiguities of the basic structure of the movement in its relationship to typical sonata form.
An Analysis
Abstract
This paper analyzes Mozart's Piano Sonata in C Minor, K457, Movement I. There is discussion of the use of the "Mannheim Rocket" as well as the ambiguities of the basic structure of the movement in its relationship to typical sonata form.
Documents available upon request.
