On the functions of the ‘Music History’ subject in the training of music teachers

Abstract

In this paper we propose some considerations about the courses of Music History in undergraduate programs aimed to the training of music teachers. We start with the following questions: What history is being taught?; How?; Why?; To what extent this teaching has been meaningful for training future musicians and music teachers? Following, we present reflections not with the intention to suggest categorical responses, but aimed at promoting discussions about the content of the History of music courses, pondering over the space in the curriculum devoted to the music of the Western European tradition when compared to that dedicated to the study of Brazilian music history. After that, we discuss on the contributions and the practical uses that the courses of Music History has been supplying to teachers that conclude Bachelor's Degree in Music. We analyze the usual methodologies for the transmission of content, and, finally, we recommend the inclusion of performance, composition and improvisation as didactical strategies as well as the clarification of historical features sedimented in the musical works in order to meet the proposed objectives to the study of Music History. The reflections presented throughout this paper were based on analysis of curricula and music programs adopted mostly in Brazilian universities, where the discipline Music History is mandatory.