Abramo,J.(2011).Genderdifferencesofpopularmusicproductioninsecondaryschools.

JournalofResearchinMusicEducation,59(1),2143.doi:10.1177/0022429410396095
In this article, Abramo talks about integrating popular music, specifically guitar
classes, into a high school music program. Guitar class is a good way to encourage
participation in music education, as the majority of students (84%) do not partake in
traditional ensembles. The goal of many schools is to have as many children exercising
their right to music education as possible and for those who are not interested in concert
band or orchestra, popular music may be a good option. Different aspects of musicality
may be taught through popular music studies, such as chord progressions (I-IV-V) and
playing by ear. Other issues of interpretation will arise, as the subject matter of popular
music is usually more controversial. Abramo gives examples of analyzing songs like
Imagine and Personal as a means of teaching theory (form and chords) and
interpretation. Some may argue that it is not a music teachers job to address gender
stereotypes and world issues, but Abramo suggests that music teachers should take a
similar approach to English teachers and use more controversial materials in class to help
students better approach these issues.
Guitar classes also offer a more self guided teaching approach, which is more
work for a music teacher to supervise, but will eventually provide a richer learning
experience for children. Not everyone will get the same skills out of the class and
everyone will get to make their own decisions about repertoire. Guitar classes encourage
experimentation and give students the artistic license to doodle or write their own
songs.
As much as I believe Abramo is coming from a good place, I do not think that
popular music should or can replace classical training in schools. Although it may not
appeal to many students, classical training is important to music education, because it is
the foundation of music. Although they may be more interested in learning about pop
music theory, the same foundations and beyond can be taught through music of the
common practice period. Students also learn valuable life lessons from classical training,

such as discipline, perseverance and time management. Traditional ensembles may be

less appealing, but it is important to note that they also let students gain intrapersonal
skills and allow them to form lasting bonds with members of their section and ensemble.
This is not to say that teaching popular music in schools is a bad idea, or that a guitar
class has nothing to offer, but my opinion is that classical training is still immensely
important to all young musicians.