GIA's 2005 Music Education Catalog (3.3 MB, 112 ... - GIA Publications

General Interest
Aspiring to Excel
Leadership Initiatives
for Music Educators
Kenneth R. Raessler
After 45 years of hard work resulting in some of the
most successful music programs in the United
States, Dr. Kenneth Raessler finally puts his
philosophies on paper to inspire music educators at
all levels to follow his path of excellence!
Drawing on his career and life experiences,
Aspiring to Excel will challenge all music educators
to assess their priorities, their goals, and the
sequence of instruction in their school district or
their university. Simply put, this volume is a definitive
work on the state and future of music education in the United States.
Never one to back away from a challenge, Dr. Raessler masterfully takes on a
variety of critical topics from “Building the Necessary Support” and “Developing a
Comprehensive Curriculum” to “Avoiding Burnout.” He also addresses the issues unique to
the different levels of music education, from elementary school to the university level, offering
personal insight into each.
Appendices that are humorous—yet essential for survival—round out this
important book. Our favorite is the appendix titled “Dentistry and Standardized Testing” and
“Mr. Wolfgang Mozart Applies for a University Teaching Position.”
Written by a master of the art, craft, and business of music education, this book is not
to be missed! Dr. Raessler’s love for life and for the field of music education is
contagious, and music educators at all levels who read this book will surely find themselves
Aspiring to Excel.
Dr. Kenneth R. Raessler has recently retired as Director of the School of Music at Texas
Christian University (TCU). He was formerly Director of Music in the Williamsport Area
School District, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Williamsport Music Education Program
achieved national prominence during his tenure, not only for excellence in
performance but also for excellence and innovation in classroom music. The program as
awarded the MENC “Exemplary Program Award” in 1985.
G-5789 Hardcover, 422 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.95
50 GIA Publications, Inc. 1.800.GIA.1358 or 708.496.3800 • Fax: 708.496.3828 • www.giamusic.com