Skip to Main Content

Bennington College History: Music: Pedagogy and Philosophy

A Guide to the History of Music at Bennington College

Documents Related to Philosophy and Pedagogy

1935
The work in music has as a principal aim the development of musicians with a thorough understanding of the field of music as a whole, and of its relation to the culture of our own and other times. The work is designed to develop musical taste and understanding, not merely through listening and reading, but through a rich experience of participation and study. Therefore, both composition and the acquisition of skill upon an instrument will be stressed as part of the experience of music students, even though they may not intend to engage in those phases of music professionally. On the other hand, general competence in the field of music will not be sacrificed for the sake of a specialty or for skill upon an instrument. Whenever possible the work in music will be related to other fields of study, such as the dance and drama. The list of subjects available for study in music is as follows: history and analysis of music; individual instruction in piano, violin, viola, 'cello, wind instruments and voice; harmony (including sight singing, dictation and keyboard); ensemble and orchestra; chorus. Bennington College Bulletin (4) 1935-1936 
1945
Minutes of the Faculty Meeting (1945-11-14) A full transcription of the meeting about teaching introductory level literature, music and art. Paul Boepple presented for music. Full faculty discussion after the presentations. 
1965
The Performing Arts at Bennington (1965) This document is a statement of policy, curriculum and development, particularly reference to space requirements and for planning the construction of the new Visual and Performing Arts building. Document pages 19-23 discuss the Music program and philosophy, space needs, and objective of the Music division.
1972
Proposal for a Department of Black Music Jimmy Cheatham, (1972-05-08)
1974
Statement of Intents and Purposes with Regard to Being a Division Among Divisions at Bennington College Bill Dixon(1974-04-22)
1980
Faculty Division: Black Music Quadrille, Vol 13, No 4 Feb 1980
Academic divisions: Music Quadrille, Vol 13, No 6  June, 1980