Getting to Know Eric Bluestine, Author of The Ways Children Learn Music: Part 1

Eric Bluestine is a familiar name to many music educators, especially for those familiar with Music Learning Theory (MLT). With a career spanning 35 years in Philadelphia's public schools, Eric’s journey is as inspiring as it is transformative. In the first of two podcast episodes, Eric shared insights into his life, his work, and his passion for teaching—offering wisdom that resonates deeply with educators and musicians alike. Here are the highlights of that conversation.

A Humble Start to a Transformative Career: Eric’s path to becoming a music educator wasn’t without its challenges. Initially rejected by Oberlin Conservatory, he chose to follow his passion for music by enrolling at Temple University. There, he met influential mentors like Roger Dean, whose guidance introduced Eric to MLT and set him on a lifelong journey of discovery and teaching.

Discovering Music Learning Theory: Through Roger Dean at Temple University, Eric encountered Edwin Gordon’s groundbreaking work, which emphasizes audiation—the ability to hear and comprehend music in one’s mind. However, it wasn’t an easy road. Eric struggled with Gordon’s dense textbooks and eventually turned to audio lectures, immersing himself in hundreds of hours of recordings to internalize the concepts.

“Listening is my love,” Eric shared, highlighting the pivotal role of auditory learning in his journey. This deep engagement with MLT led Eric to not only adopt its principles but also challenge and expand upon them, ensuring they resonated with his teaching style.

Writing “The Ways Children Learn Music”: One of the most impactful contributions Eric has made to the field is his book, The Ways Children Learn Music. Born out of a request from a colleague for a “user-friendly” introduction to MLT, the book has become a staple for educators worldwide.

A Lifelong Commitment to Growth: Despite his retirement from public school teaching, Eric’s passion for education remains undiminished. He’s returned to private piano teaching, bringing a fresh perspective informed by decades of experience and his deep understanding of MLT. His curiosity and willingness to learn continue to drive him, as he adapts his methods to new challenges and opportunities.

Stay Tuned for Part Two: This conversation barely scratched the surface of Eric Bluestine’s wealth of knowledge and experience. In the upcoming second part, we’ll delve deeper into his thoughts on partial synthesis, his blog, and his new journey into piano teaching. Don’t miss it!

LINKS

The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine
Blog: The Ways Children Learn Music

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