“Who Are These People and Why Are They Saying These Things?”: George Heller and the Growth of Historical Research in Music Education

Abstract

This historical investigation explores the life of George N. Heller (1941–2004) and his influence on historical research in music education and music therapy. By means of primary source materials, including preserved presentation resources and outlines, publications, and interviews, this historical investigation explores Heller’s life and career and the influences that informed his work. This study argues that at a time when quantitative methods dominated music research journals, George Heller’s efforts coincided with the progress and acceptance of historical research in music education and music therapy. Through his historical research publications, his encouragement of student research, his mentoring of colleagues, and his position as founding editor of the Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education, George Heller championed historical research at a critical juncture in music education scholarship.

Improvisation of Music Therapy with Repertoire of Marineras Trujillanas in Online Higher Education Learning

“…The influence of music therapy and music in education is a consequence of George N. Heller , who stimulated the research of both students and colleagues [1] taking music as a potential element in the teaching and activities of children which has shown positive effects on mental, social and emotional development; thus achieving the use of music in medical and therapeutic cases in these times [2]. The efficiency for the physical and artistic body re-education had positive effects also in the cognitive, socio-affective and emotional during the treatment with mental health patients, whose only instrument of treatment was music and rhythmic movements [3], with only exploring the sensory stimuli many patients recovered their motor function [4].…”