Reflective, energising and informed, this book should be core reading for all wishing to know more about teaching and learning composition, along with entrants to the profession. Michele Kaschub and Janice Smith provide comprehensive and contemporary understanding of music composition rooted in genuinely educational contexts which reach in and beyond the classroom to the contemporary musical world in all its richness and diversity of practices. Combining the latest research with practical ideas and tasks,this multi-dimensional book sets out to inform, inspire and equip music educators of our time...

Pam Burnard, University of Cambridge, UK

An excellent resource for drawing out the composer in every child as well as drawing out the child in all of us.

Thomas Priest, Weber State University, UT

This book makes an important contribution to the literature about composition within school music programs. It thoughtfully examines the cognitive underpinnings of the composition process at every age level, and offers practical suggestions for designing projects that will be successful with students at a variety of levels. It is well researched, and likewise draws upon the extensive experiences of the authors. Beginning and seasoned teachers alike will find much to think about in this book.

Paul Siskind, Professor of Composition and Theory, Crane School of Music, SUNY-Potsdam

In this book, Kaschub and Smith address an issue of great importance in the development of a 21st century music curriculum. They argue-most forcefully, thoroughly and thoughtfully-for the proposition that all children should be encouraged to compose music. Their work is truly pioneering, and their volume fills a need that has been present for quite some time. At every level of the PK-12 spectrum, Minds on Music provides valuable observations, insights into student psychology, introductory comments on notation, memory, musical form, instrumental timbre and the like. There are also a number of fascinating "scenarios"-a sampling of creative assignments, at each educational level-which should go a long way toward dispelling fears, on the part of both student and teacher, about entering this uncharted territory. One hopes that Minds on Music will be read by many music education professors and school music teachers!

Elliott Schwartz, composer and professor emeritus, Bowdoin College

This excellent book is important for music educators, composers and musicians dealing with composing in the class and in communities, but also for parents interested in the creativity of their children. Minds on Music focuses two basic ideas: "composition can be taught," and "children learn to compose by composing." The authors address important and diverse research fields and present models for teaching composition from early childhood to high school. I recommend this book to everyone who is focusing on composing with young people.

Vit Zouhar, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Established authors and music educators, Kaschub and Smith partnered with the National Association for Music Education to publish this book on the importance of children composing music. . . . Including valuable tables and charts, the book covers five age groups and highlights child development and musical progression. . . . This well-researched volume will benefit music educators, cross-curriculum advocates, and students of all ages. Recommended.

Choice Reviews