Just Good Teaching: Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance in Theory and Practice

“Just Good Teaching serves as a concise description of Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) and its application to an ensemble setting. The book is grounded in pedagogical and theoretical aspects of CMP, as well as in research on best practices in music education. The author builds a strong case for the use of CMP by drawing on her own experience in the classroom, her expertise as a leading researcher in this field, and the many experiences of teachers who use the framework of CMP within their classrooms. … This book is an excellent read for music educators.” —Music Educators Journal

“Laura Sindberg has been an important voice in instrumental music education for over three decades, a gifted musician, conductor, and teacher now devoting her life’s work to teaching others how to teach. Just Good Teaching: Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance in Theory and Practice is an insightful and compelling overview of a philosophy of teaching that enhances student learning in the rehearsal hall, and engages and inspires the creativity and the musicianship of conductors of all types of ensembles. This is a must-read for every music undergraduate music education major and for every veteran music educator. Enjoy the journey!” –Craig Kirchhoff, Professor of Music, Director of University Bands, School of Music, University of Minnesota

“Just Good Teaching: Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) in Theory and Practice is a uniquely valuable contribution to music teacher education. Laura Sindberg situates CMP realistically in lived experiences to facilitate music teachers in applying comprehensive musicianship methodology. A major distinction of this work is that it provides not only models of CMP but also multiple perspectives of CMP from music teachers in various phases of their teaching life. This is a text that challenges teachers at all levels of experience to learn as well as teach in ways that will transform ensemble rehearsals and performances with enhanced musical understandings.” –Molly A. Weaver, Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education, West Virginia University

“Laura Sindberg takes her many years of teaching in the Wisconsin public schools, her years in higher education, and her direct involvement in the Wisconsin CMP project and gives the music education profession a much needed reminder–leading students toward becoming comprehensive ensemble musicians is just good teaching. This book takes a look at CMP’s historical roots and projects possibilities for CMP teaching and learning experiences in current-day practice. Sindberg provides model plans that encourage teachers and students not only to focus on note-learning and technique, but also engage in rehearsal discussions and other experiences that lead to informed music-making.” –Jody L. Kerchner, Professor of Music Education, Oberlin College/Conservatory of Music

“The music education profession has been waiting for a long time for a book like this that will guide band, choir and orchestra teachers to teach in a comprehensive way. Nearly 30 years ago Robert Garofalo published Blueprint for Band, followed 10 years later by his Instructional Designs for band. Sindberg’s book, Just Good Teaching, not only follows up with these initial texts of teaching comprehensively in an ensemble setting, but the ideas she offers come from a proven “system” (the Wisconsin CMP project) that has been working successfully for years. A highlight of the book is the offering of real anecdotes and practical suggestions within a solid philosophical foundation. This book is a must read for band, choir and orchestra teachers who want to teach in more meaningful and educational ways. It will also be valuable in our collegiate pre-service methods classes.” –Maud Hickey, Associate Professor, Music Education, Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University

Laura Sindberg is assistant professor of music education at the University of Minnesota, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Prior to earning her doctorate at Northwestern University, Dr. Sindberg taught public school music for 17 years, during which time she became heavily involved in Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance―also the topic of her dissertation research. Dr. Sindberg continues to be actively involved with CMP in all facets of her teaching and has written and presented extensively on the topic.