Backward Design and Repertoire Selection: Finding Full Expression

Abstract

Repertoire selection is one of the most impactful responsibilities music educators undertake, and the music an educator chooses for students to experience reveals implicit and explicit philosophical values. When ensemble instructors select repertoire, their decisions are often informed by an eclectic mixture of competing practical and aspirational considerations. Backward design is an instructional strategy that aligns philosophical and instructional goals and allows music instructors to purposefully select high-quality repertoire and materials as means to an end rather than an end in themselves.

Instructional Strategy for Comprehensible Meaning-Focused Input: Backward Learning Instruction

“…Backward design is hardly a novel concept in general education circles but marks a paradigm shift in thinking about education curricula. Rather than devising activities or selecting materials as ends, backward design requires the instructor to set an intention for learning and build a curriculum that meets those goals (Armes, 2020). However, BLI is not for designing material but for expecting learning outcomes, particularly reading and listening comprehension.…”