A Publication, An Editor, a Progressive Voice: Charles Fowler at Music Educators Journal from 1964 to 1971

Abstract

Introduction The Music Educators Journal (MEJ) is perhaps one of the best-known journals for music teachers in the United States. In 1914, it was first published by the Music Supervisors National Conference (later called Music Educators National Conference or MENC) and was titled Music Supervisors Journal. Over the years, it experienced many changes, switching names in 1934 to MEJ. Generally, it has been distributed to MENC members, though it is also available to institutions and libraries. It has been an important and widely-read communication tool of the music education profession for nearly 100 years. (1) This study focuses on a brief part of the history of the MEJ during the 1960s to early 1970s. During this period, a young editor named Charles Fowler brought MEJ to an important point in its development. A purpose of this article is to present Fowler's work during the years of 1964 to 1971, when he was editor and contributor to the MEJ. He used this platform to be a strong voice for reform in music education during a turbulent time for the profession and the country. This paper will first present a brief outline of these years, discussing events that influenced music education during that time. Second, it will review Fowler's editorial work at the MEJ, examining closely an early article from 1964 that earned him the invitation to join as editor. Third, will look at his other contributions to the MEJ, including articles mostly written during his tenure, but also considering separate research projects he produced. Many of the ideas Fowler presented in the MEJ more than forty years ago are still at the forefront of music education reform and practice. It is hoped that this look into the past, when many alternative views were being talked about, will serve as a template for approaching the challenges music education faces in present times. A Brief Biography Charles Fowler was born in Peekskill, New York in May, 1931 and entered SUNY-Potsdam as a music education student in 1948. After graduating in 1952, he went to work as a public school music teacher in Rochester, New York. He then attended Northwestern University and earned a Masters degree in 1957. He began teaching at Mansfield State College (now Mansfield University), serving until 1962. Fowler then started a Ph.D. program at Boston University, funded by a Danforth Foundation Fellowship specifically to work with Robert Choate. After completing his dissertation in 1964, he served on the faculty of Northern Illinois University at DeKalb. Beginning in 1965, he began his serious work as writer and editor in music education. From 1965 to 1971, he served as editor of MEJ, and went on to work as Education Editor at Musical America (MA) from 1974 to 1989. In addition to his important editorial contributions, he was a prolific scholar and author. He published approximately 230 articles in various journals both within and outside music education, along with several books and contributions to others. Fowler was also a noted speaker and early advocate for music and arts education. He worked as an independent scholar and consultant in the arts for the majority of his professional life, living in Washington, DC until he died in June, 1995. He served in every capacity that is related to music education and its mission during his career: as teacher, supervisor, professor, writer, scholar, editor, speaker, and advocate. (2) The resonance of Fowler's progressive voice is profound as he challenged values of music teaching and learning, and consistently promoted better conditions, new policies, and distinct approaches to the future of the profession. Placing the Period in Context It is useful to consider Fowler's works in the context of the times in which they were conceived and written. The following section focuses on the years between 1964 and 1971, with attention given to events inside and outside of music education. …