Estelle R.

Jorgensen

On Excellence in Music Education

The standards ofperformance in music thot we hove become accustomed to ex-

peet in our day are extraordinarily high. Considering thot these are achieved by
professiona/s only after intensive and prolonged training. why should music
teachers. dealing with amateurs. aspire to an excellence thot is so far out of
reach? Would it not he realistic tosettlefor more modest results? Jorgensenfirst
examines the problem of standards, finding thot on each offour considerations
ofstandard there can he both an absolutist and a re/ativist position. a state ofaf
fairs thot leaves one with a somewhot general definition of whot it is that must
he excelled in order to achieve excellence. She then evolves five principles con-
cerning the working ofexcellence in music education. and points to the strongly
inspirational effect it has both on student and on teacher - an effect thot is
peculiarly achievable in music. but thot clearly is equally desirable in any sub-
ject.

The English verb "excel" cornes originally from the Latin excellere mean-
ing "ta rise above." A variety of similar current meanings, viz., "to be very
good," "to be pre-eminent," ''to surpass," "to be better than" may be cited. AlI
imply two things: first, a high degree of "goodness" and second, the surpassing of
general ''norms" or "standards." Indeed, the definition of excellence presumes
both a "metric" by which the degree of "goodness" may be evaluated and a
delineation of "norms" or "standards" by which excellence is judged.

The problem of standards

For looking at the problem of standards 1 have developed a schema which

proposes two opposite or extreme cases, as shown in Figure 1. Bach paradigm
represents a profile of four dimensions, and in each case we juxtapose two
opposite polar extremes. This technique for clarifying concepts theoretically is
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 Excellence in Music Education

called 'typification' and has been developed by Zentner (1978) following the
work of Martindale (1959), Becker (Loomis & Loomis, 1965), Vernon (1973),
and Machlup (1970) among others. By comparing two extreme theoretical view-
points we can more clearly understand sorne practical situations which typically
fall hetween these extremes.
In the present case lhere are four important considerations in the delinea-
tion of standards. First, there is the question of the referent group (of norms) to
which comparison will he made. Are these norms imposed by society or self-
imposed by the individual? Second, there is the question of the level of criticism
to he employed. Are standards to he based upon uninformed judgment,
theoretically at a zero point at one extreme, or upon a critical judgment
representing a theoretically perfeet knowledge at the other? Third, there is the
question of the length of time during which the standards have been in force.
Are standards continually changing, or have they heen stable over an extended
time? Fourth, there is the question of area throughout which the standards are
in force. Are the standards acceptable only in a small geographical area, or are
they accepted ail over the world?

When we examine the two paradigms we see one which generates essential-
ly 'relative' standards (Paradigm 1) white the other generates essentially 'ab-
solute' standards (paradigm 2). Susanne Langer (1948, 1953) has emphasized the
essential 'relativism' of the musical event.

She has postulated the notion that the musical symbol is intuitively ap-
prehended and that this subjectivity results in psychologically variant judgments
respecting the quality of any given musical event. She argues that the musical
event possesses both 'virtual time' and 'virtual space' for the listener, Le., a
psychologically apprehended time and space in distinction to actual clock time
and physical space. Thus, for example, two musical pieces of equivalent dura-
tion may appear to a given listener to have widely different virtual times, the one
appearing to he extremely short and the other extremely long. Similarly, one
piece may appear to have a different virtual space from the other depending on
such factors as texturai differences and timbrai contrasts, among others, as
hetween the two pieces.

Pitirim Sorokin has advanced the theory that at the socio-cultural or

societal nexus, social expectations, norms, standards and mores also vary
through time and space. He postulates the notion of 'social time' and 'social
space', Le., sociologically apprehended time and space in distinction to actual
clock time and physical space. Thus, for example, time may he measured with
reference to social events, viz., "hefore the war," or with reference to socio-
musical periods, viz., "the classical period." Simitarly, space may he measured
with reference to social events, viz., the social status of the musician may vary
widely as for example hetween the "servant" status of the musicians in Europe
in the 18th century and the "employee" status of their 20th century counter-
parts.

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Estelle R. Jorgensen

The possibility of changes in orientation toward relativism or absolutism

from time to time and from place to place, as suggested by Sorokin, only serves
to complicate the analysis and does not solve our problem of standards for ex-
cellence. Further, we have every reason to believe that in recent history, at least,
a situation corresponding dosely to a 'sensate' phase or Paradigm 1 above in
music education and more generally in society as a whole has prevailed. The
likelihood therefore of our selecting any given set of specific musical standards
and having them adopted by ail music educators is minimal.

The question of a "metric" by which we may measure the disparity between

a given musical event and our formulated standard is even more problematic. It
is difficult enough to quantify events which are subjectively perceived.

It is my contention that it is necessary to take account of actual physical

dock time and actual physical space, psychologically apprehended 'virtual time'
and 'virtual space' (after Langer), and sociologically apprehended 'social time'
and 'social space' (after Sorokin-Zentner) if we are to develop a "metric" by
which musical events may be measured. It should then be possible to formulate
theoretical propositions and make corresponding "measurements" or "observa-
tions" in the testing of these propositions which will translate through the varie-
ty of causal nexus.

Figure 1

A COMPARISON OF TWO PARADIGMS

FOR THE GENERATION
OF MUSICAL STANDARDS

Dimensions Paradigm 1 Paradigm 2

Referent group Individually imposed norms Society imposed norms

Level of criticism Zero knowledge Perfect knowledge

Length of time over Change orientation Stability orientation

which standards are
in force

Geographical area Minimal space Maximal space

over which standards
are in force

Thus far 1 have referred to the musical symbol and event. Music education
straddles two principal disciplines, namely, music and pedagogy (itself covering
primary fields of physiology, psychology, sociology, philosophy and theology).
Pedagogy also illustrates both 'relativism' and 'absolutism'. It represents varying
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 Excellence in Music Education

approaches in what should he taught, what methods should he used and what
students should he accepted, through time and space. It also represents the
evidence of physiological, psychological and sociological research. At these vary-
ing levels of integrative analysis, it involves varying levels of subjectivity in
research_

It can therefore he argued that the utilization of physical, virtual and social
time and space as a "metric" in music education quality evaluation is ap-
propriate not only to the musical symbol but also to pedagogy itself.

Where does this leave us in our quest for a definition of excellence? Essen-
tially we are left with a very general definition. Obviously there are certain ab-
solute standards inherent in the form and function or the relevant aesthetic of
the music itself which dictate judgments respecting the quality of a given
musical event. But relative and interpersonal subjective judgments come into
play which vary in prominence from time to time and from place to place. These
introduce an element of uncertainty into our judgments and standards, making
them more unclear.

Some principles

Certainly, we should not abandon our interest in excellence in music educa-

tion because we are unable to quantify our standards and metrics precisely. In-
deed, this state of affairs constitutes a challenge to continued research in the
area. But it may mean that on a practicallevel we need to he content for the
present with gross comparisons and CTUde indices.

There is a second question which is even more fundamental than the first
problem of definition of excellence, namely why he concerned with excellence in
music education? What can its achievement do for us on the practical level in
stimulating student learning and teaching performance? How is it achieved and
what does it demand in commitment from teacher and student alike?

ln pondering the factors which are at the essence of the music teaching-
learning process, 1 have formulated five principles which characterize the opera-
tion of excellence in music education and place it at the very heart or centre of
the process. 1 emphasize the speculative nature of thl;se principles. They arise
out of an intuitive view of musical pedagogy, based upon my observations of
and participation in a variety of music teaching-learning situations at the
elementary school through graduate schoollevels. They may apply not only to
music education but to other curricular areas as weIl. We turn now to an ex-
amination of principles of excellence in music education.

Principle 1: The teacher's actions determine the level of excellence achieved by

the student. within the operative constraints imposed by student individual dif-
ferences.
97
Estelle R. Jorgensen

This principle declares the central importance of the music teacher in the
achievement of excellence. The teacher sets the standards principally with his
or her actions rather than with words. As teachers, we may expect our students
to reach no higher level of excellence in performance than we ourselves
demonstrate and maintain. We may ask our students to give us excellent choral
or instrumental tone, but if we do not expect this and take appropriate steps to
achieve it, the tone will not necessarily be forthcoming. We may ask our
students to sing or play the correct notes, but if we ourselves allow inaccuracies
to go unchecked and if we demonstrate a lazy or sloppy attitude to the music, we
cannot expect any more of our students.

It is obvious that student individual differences in such things as musical

ability will influence the level of excellence which it is possible to achieve. But
within these constraints, the degree to which the student achieves his or her
potentiallevel of excellence depends centrally on the teacher's actions.

Principle 2: The central communication in musical pedagogy is that of energy

rather than knowledge. It is this energy which enables the achievement of ex-
cellence.

The role of electro-chemical processes in learning has been documented in

recent physiological research. The work on protein synthesis as an hypothesized
part of the electro-chemical process of CUTTent transfer and circuit establishment,
stabilization, and degeneration is of special interest (Ansell & Bradley, 1973). An
emotional response to the learning process has also been shown to be of impor-
tance in facilitating or hindering these electro-chemical processes (Jorgensen,
1977).

This principle recognizes the centrality of intellectual-emotional interaction

on the part of both teacher and student. The focus of the teacher's attention is
upon the student, upon making the subject meaningful to the student rather
than upon the subject matter for its own sake. This does not deny the impor-
tance of the material - the music itself. In practice, following this principle, it
becomes even more important that the teacher understands the subject he or she
teaches. But the principle simply shifts the focus of emphasis for the teacher.
Further, it changes the nature of instruction from an intellectual communica-
tion to an intellectual-emotional communication, the results of which yield an
increased efficiency in the learning process.

The force, vigour, activity, and enthusiasm which the word energy implies
is an essential part of the intellectual-emotional interaction between teacher and
student. It is absorbed by the student, not forced upon him or her. Rather, the
vigour of the communication and the quality of the teacher's emotional and in-
tellectual response stimulates the student to increased activity and vigour, and to
greatly enhanced learning. The response of the student in turn interacts with the
teacher, stimulating his or her intellectual-emotional reaction. Thus the com-

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 Excellence in Music Education

munication of teacher with student and vice versa becomes a highly creative
process. It is the contention of this principle that the achievement of excellence
is "powered" centrally through the communication of energy rather than of
knowledge.

Principle 3: There is a pattern of relationship between the quantity of energy

output of the teacher and that of the student.

The energy output relationship postulated here may be represented

diagrammatically as in Fig. 2.

Figure 2

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHER AND STUDENT

ENERGY OUTPUT OVER TIME

student energy output over time

combined cumulation
Qc {~---=-=-========~I- energy output curve

Qa {
~"'-~--7L....-->---L_~L-,,-J:--~----- teacher energy output over time
Qt Qt

Let the X axis represent teacher energy output on a series of lessons and the
y axis represent student energy output. Consider a given constant quantity of
teacher energy QI. At first there is a complementary but lesser student energy
output of Qa where Qa < QI. As the teacher's energy output continues, an addi-
tional quantity of QI is matched by a greater student energy output of Qb where
Qb > QI· Further increments in teacher energy output continue to the point
where an additional quantity of QI is matched by a lesser student energy output
99
Estelle R. Jorgensen

of Qc where Qc < QI' At first, student energy output may come more slowly than
the teacher's, but a period of exponential growth of student energy output
follows which may, however, subsequently become a slower growth to a point of
relative satiation. It is possible that the curve may actually then faIl, following
satiation and with the onset of fatigue.

The elasticity of the energy output curve may vary between individual and
groups, and may vary over time. Sorne students will be more receptive both to
the teacher and to the subject at hand, varying with such factors as musical abili·
ty, intelligence, socio-economic background, and 50 on. Further, they will be
more receptive at sorne times than at others, depending on a variety of
psychological factors.

Principle 4: There is a relationship between excellence. energy. communication.

and 'reciprocal empathy' between teacher and student.

Given the existence of readily identifiable teacher and student 'types', and
given that these types interact in a series of "mixes" of teacher·student
intellectual-emotional interaction, then 'reciprocal empathy' describes the total
resultant interaction, which varies in quality (the intellectual-emotional mixr, in-
tensity, and extent. Presumably, at sorne given point the "type mixes" are op-
timized and at that point reciprocal empathy and student learning are optimized
(Jorgensen, 1917).

We may imagine a dimension not unlike that proposed by Merton (1967) in

his theory of deviance where at one extreme we have reciprocal empathy (+ + )
while at the other extreme we have reciprocal antipathy (--). Obviously, in
music education where much of the music program centres around large perfor-
ming ensembles consisting of diverse student types, maximizing or at least op-
timizing reciprocal empathy is a major consideration.

Further, there is an interaction between excellence and reciprocal empathy

depicted diagrammatically as follows:

~ ENERGY -+-----...
EXCELLENCE_____ ~EMPATHY
~ENERGY_

The experience of excellence results in an increase in reciprocal empathy.

There follows either
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 Excellence in Music Education

a. An increase in the "emotional" dimension of reciprocal empathy by

w~ch there is an increased emotional bond between teacher and stu·
dent;

b. An increase in the "intellectual" dimension of reciprocal empathy by

which there is an increased intellectual respect and admiration between
teacher and student;

c. Sorne combination of both.

A conductor May rely principally or exclusively on either dimension. He May be

greatly loved by the students, or, aItematively, he May be regarded as a "bear"
and yet wins the admiration of the students for his capacity to engender a
creative and excellent performance even though disliked on the personaI level.

Again, the achievement of increased empathy further results in a greater

receptivity of teacher to student and vice versa, and the consequent possibility of
heightened excellence in subsequent performances.

Energy is intimately related to both excellence and empathy. The greater

the level of empathy, for example, the greater the student energy output relative
to each given corresponding unit of teacher energy output, and the more effi·
cient the system. Energy might be regarded, analogically, as the 'force-field'
within which excellence and empathy operate.

Principle 5: The experience of excellence in volves an intense intellectual-

emotional action and reaction.

The achievement of excellence involves a high level of creativity. Margery

Vaughan bas described a four stage model defining creativity as "the life of mind
at its highest level of functioning." The value of this model is in pointing to the
importance of a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject and the
music itself befOTe creativity can be achieved (Vaughan, 1973).

A performer's reaction to the experience of excellence similarly involves an

intense intellectual response. There is an intuitive apprehension and awareness
of what has been achieved that is quite objective, as weil as an intense realiza-
tion of the weaknesses and mistakes of the performance. The artist May be
pleased, but never satisfied, with the performance. In such cases, students
themselves are conscious of what they have and have not accomplished. This
fact acts as intrinsic motivation in further endeavours. The intellectual pleasure
achieved is itself a reward.

Nevertheless, the achievement of excellence involves a high degree of emo-

tional involvement. In this respect, we May think of a continuum, represented at
101
Estelle R. Jorgensen

one extreme by total concentration on self-consciousness in performance. On

the one hand, the total selfconscious pre-occupation with "feelings" in the per-
formance results in the focus of the attention heing on oneself rather than upon
the music. The individual may he pre-occupied with fear, and it is this fear which
precludes excellence in performance. It diminishes the level of intellectual con-
centration on the music essential for the achievement of excellence, and the self
becomes the chief intellectual consideration. Thus, "Where are the next prob-
lems 1 must overcome?", "Will 1 he able to negotiate these difficult sections?",
and so on.

On the other band, the total absence of self-consciousness enables the emo-
tions to assume their proper place as subservient to the intellect and under its
control during the performance. The individual is totally caught up with the
music and its implications. Technical difficulties have been relegated to the sub-
conscious. Practically speaking, for this to occur, the material must have been
thoroughly learned heforehand. Yet while the performer must "Iose himself' in
his music, and while this is an intense emotional as weil as intellectual ex-
perience, the emotions must he controlled by an extremely active intellect.

Again, the performer's reaction to the experience of excellence also in-

volves an intense emotional response. The Greek word EXUTatllÇ from which we
get our English ward "ecstasy," meaning "exalted state or feeling," is ap-
propriate to descrihe the sensation. Sorne performers descrihe their emotional
reaction as tbat of "heing on a high". Students may he unable to handle their
emotional response and react variably, hugging each other and/or their director,
breaking down and crying, and so on. The students know when they have
achieved an excellent performance, and this knowledge brings of itself a tremen-
dous emotional joy.

Excellence ln the curriculum

The achievement of excellence has an inspirational effect. On the assump-

tions, first, that the students' interest in music should he awakened and aroused
rather than having music forced upon them; and second, that students will
generally recognize and desire experiences of excellence, then we may expect
tbat students will want to participate in a music program which is bath relevant
and excellent. Witness the many music programs which while demanding a very
high standard of performance from the students, and while moving them to an
appreciation of excellent music, are filled to overflowing with eager students. In
such programs, the higher the standard the teacher demands of the students, the
more students there seem to he wanting to participate in the program. On the
other hand, where mere entertainment or "affective" goals are pre-eminent,
where the teacher is desirous of a popular image and where quality and ex-
cellence are sacrificed on the altar of popularity with students, a high level of
student demand for music is not always evident. Rather, student enrolment may
he stable, rather small, or even diminishing in size.
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 Excellence in Music Education

The role of the experience of excellence in providing a form of intrinsic

motivation for students and teachers bas been referred to above. Further, its role
in increasing 'reciprocal empathy' and thereby increasing the effectiveness of
student learning and stimulating increased levels of performance have also been
discussed. These provide important educational reasons why such experiences
should constitute a fundamental place in the school curriculum. Teachers need
inspiration just as much as do students, and the achievement of excellence pro-
vides teachers themselves with encouragement for the future.

Of ail the areas of the school curriculum, music presents the means
whereby the student may most readily experience excellence. The musical pero
formance can he heard and immediately perceived. And it is this aspect which
constitutes a major argument for music education's role as basic to the school
curriculum.

REFERENCES
Ansell, G. B. and P. B. Bradley. eds. Macromolecules and Behoviour. London: MeMillan;
1973.
Jorgensen, E. A Critical Analysis of Selected Aspects of Music Bducation. Calgary:
Department of Educational Administration, University of Calgary, 1977.
Langer, Susanne K. Philosophy in a New Key: A Study of the Symbolism of Reason.
Rite and Art. New York: Penguin, 1948.
- - - - Feeling and Form: A Theory of Art. New York: Scribner, 1953.
Lazarsfeld, Paul F. and Allen H. Darton. "Qualitative Measurement in the Social
Sciences: CI~ification, Typologies and Indices." The Policy &iences. Daniel Lerner
and Harold D. Lasswell, eds. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1951, pp. 155·192.
Loomis, Charles P. and Zona K. Loomis. Modem Social Theories. 2nd edn. Princeton,
New Jersey: Van Nostrand, 1965.
Maehlup, F. "Homo Oeconomieus and His C\~mates." Phenomenology and Social
Reality: Essays in Memory of Alfred &hutz. ed. Maurice Natanson. Hague: Mijhoff,
1970.
Martindale, Don. "Sociological Theory and Ideal Type." Symposium on Sociological
Theory. ed. Llewellyn Gross. Evanston, 111.: Row, Peterson, 1959, pp. 57-91.
Merton, Robert K. Social Theory and Social Structure. Revised edition. Glencoe, Ill.:
Free Press, 1967.
Vaughan, M. M. "Cultivating Creative Behaviour: Energy Levels and the Process of
Creativity." Music Educators Journal. Vol. 59 (1973), pp. 35-37.
Vernon, P. E. "Multivariate Approaches to the Study of Cognitive Styles." Multiva-
riate Ana/ysis and Psychological Theory. Joseph R. Royce, ed. London and New
York: Academie Press, 1973.
Zentner, Henry. "Sorokin's Analysis of Time and Space." Sorokin and Sociology: Essays
in Honour ofProfessor Pitirim Sorokin. G. C. Hallen and R. Prasad, eds. Moti Katra,
Agra-3 India: Satish, 1972.
----"Varieties of Concepts, Attributes, Types, and Standards in Sociology."
Unpublished paper available from the writer, Department of Educational Administra-
tion, University of Calgary, 1978.

103
Estelle R. Jorgensen

Résumé

Les normes dïnterprétation musicale auxquelles nous nous sommes habitués aujourd'hui
sont extraordinairement élevées. Étant donné que seuls les musiciens de carrière parvien·
nent à les respecter au bout de nombreuses années de formation Intensive, pourquoi les
professeurs de musique qui n'ont à faire qu'à des amateurs aspireraient·ils à un degré d'ex·
cellence aussi difficile à atteindre? Ne serait·iI pas plus réaliste d'escompter des résultats
plus modestes? Jorgensen étudie pour commencer le problème des normes et constate qu'il
est possible d'adopter une position absolutiste et relativiste face à chacun des quatre
critères normatift fixés: cela donne une idée un peu vague de ce en quoi il convient d'ex·
celler pour atteindre un niveau d'excellence. Elle énonce ensuite cinq principes qui permet-
tent d'atteindre un tel niveau dans l'enseignement de la musique et souligne l'effet blenfai·
sant qu'ils exercent tant sur les élèves que sur les professeurs, effet qu'il est surtout possible
de réaliser en musique, mals qui est également souhaitable pour toute discipline.

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104