The role of contemporary music in instrumental education

Abstract

The role of contemporary music in instrumental education discusses the necessity of renewing the curriculum of all musical studies that emphasize performance and the development of the student's instrumental abilities. A portrait of Norwegian composer Ørjan Matre is included to help exemplify the views expressed, as well as the help of theoretical analysis. Key words: contemporary music, education, musicology, ørjan matre, erich wolfgang korngold, pedagogy The role of contemporary music in instrumental education is divided into six chapters. Following the introduction, the second chapter discusses the state of musical critique and musicology, describing the first waves of modernism at the turn of the century (19th/20th) and relating it to the present reality and state of contemporary music. Conclusively, it suggests possibilities of bettering the situation. The third chapter discusses the controversial aspects of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's music and life, relating it to the turbulence of the musical life during his lifetime. Studying Korngold is a unique way to outline the contradictions within Western art music that were being established during his career. The fourth chapter is a portrait of Norwegian composer Ørjan Matre and includes an analysis of his work "Handel Mixtapes". The chapter attempts to suggest the misunderstood aspects of simplicity and accessibility in much contemporary music. The fourth chapter includes a brief description of the problems and benefits involved in achieving a coherent exploitation of musical litterature that explores the new and the traditional hand in hand. The fifth chapther discusses challenges concerning the pedagogical exploitation of the contemporary litterature in teaching, while the final sixth chapter concludes and summarizes. A summary of the interview with Ørjan Matre is included as an appendix