Composition Pedagogy in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Abstract This chapter focuses on the current state of composition pedagogy in the Czech Republic. Based on the recent research and professional literature, it presents historical starting points and methodology of individual artistic composition pedagogy and general music-oriented group composition pedagogy. It describes their different goals, objectives, and methodology. Influential historical composers’ schools have been contrasting with a lack of teaching books for the individual artistic composition pedagogy. Methodological texts on group composing are contrasting with the absence of separate composition activities in curricular materials for general music education. These conditions determine two main streams of Czech composition pedagogy and the roles and functions of artistic and general music education. The expanding meaning of the term “composition” offers new possibilities for composing in general music education and non-formal education. It is presented on the methodology of the Different Hearing program. Practical stimuli for group composing and best practice activities by educators and composers are concluding this chapter.