Eunice Boardman’s Generative Theory of Musical Learning and the Holt Music Textbooks

Abstract

Many general music teachers use a variety of methods in their classrooms. The Generative Theory of Musical Learning can serve as a basis for a variety of general music methodologies. Developed by Eunice Boardman, the Generative Theory of Musical Learning influenced general music textbooks from 1966 to 1988, and it continues to influence music educators even today. The purpose of this study was to examine how the theory influenced the six editions of the Holt Music textbook series and to determine how its ideas have continued to be disseminated since the final edition of the Holt series. Data were collected through examination of a variety of primary and secondary sources, including the Holt Music series textbooks, published and unpublished writings from Eunice Boardman, and interviews with coauthors of the series. The study traces the development of the ideas behind the Generative Theory, its influence on the Holt Music series from 1966 to 1988, and the dissemination of the ideas following the conclusion of the series.