A long-overdue paean to the predominant musical form of the 70s and a thoughtful exploration of the culture that spawned itDisco may be the most universally derided musical form to come about in the past forty years. Yet; like its pop cultural peers punk and hip hop; it was born of a period of profound social and economic upheaval. In Turn the Beat Around; critic and journalist Peter Shapiro traces the history of disco music and culture. From the outset; disco was essentially a shotgun marriage between a newly out and proud gay sexuality and the first generation of post-civil rights African Americans; all to the serenade of the recently developed synthesizer. Shapiro maps out these converging influences; as well as discos cultural antecedents in Europe; looks at the history of DJing; explores the mainstream disco craze at its apex; and details the long shadow cast by discos performers and devotees on todays musical landscape. One part cultural study; one part urban history; and one part glitter-pop confection; Turn the Beat Around is the most comprehensive study of the Me Generation to date.
2015-05-09 2015-05-09File Name: B00XFMY9I4
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An absolute must-read for every current and prospective music educatorBy Kevin ScollinSweets work is dynamic and engaging; based in sound research yet not jargony or overly academic; and loaded with real-world examples from current; active teachers of diverse backgrounds. Her voice; use of humor; and easy-to-follow organizational structure makes reading flow easily and naturally.Every student goes through adolescence. It can be disarming and frightening for them; and challenging for their teachers and parents. "Growing Musicians" takes an in-depth look at this difficult time and allows the reader to feel profound empathy for students in this situation and; perhaps more importantly; to view adolescence in a positive; hopeful way.This book should be in the hands of every current music teacher in the country; at every level. It should also be a required text for every collegiate introductory methods course at every university; not only for its breadth of knowledge; but also for its accessibility; its relevance; and its overall ability to impact the reader intellectually and emotionally. It is truly a gem of the music education profession that will stand the test of time.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Sweet and the teachers she interviewedBy Parks PaytonIf you are a middle school music teacher of adolescents or a pre-service teacher; this is simply a must-read. This book is practical; heart-felt; sincere; and philosophical. Through this book; Dr. Sweet and the teachers she interviewed; provided me practical and quick changes I could make in my classroom to improve my craft while simultaneously giving me the opportunity to think about the broader philosophical choices I am making in the music classroom. Finally; this book affirms my work as a professional. I love teaching Middle School music and Dr. Sweet celebrates this job that; while often maligned; is indeed full of growth; daily challenges; love; loyalty; humor; and creativity. READ THIS BOOK!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book has changed my life as a future educator.By Olivia GegichMy professor for my first intensive course on music education in the public schools added this as a required text for the course. She spoke at the beginning of the semester about what a great and inspiring read it was. She had made similar statements about many books before that hardly captured my interest; but in the first pages of Bridget Sweets Growing Musicians; I was hooked.I am about the enter my final year of my bachelors degree in music education; and reading this book has entirely changed my perspective on working with adolescents in the setting of a music classroom. Sweet provides valuable insights on several approaches to music education in adolescence from many seasoned teachers. I have been introduced to many concepts I had not previously considered in my reading of this incredible work.Until now; teaching young adolescent students seemed a daunting task that I was uncertain if I was willing to approach. Now; with a better grasp on the challenges but also the incredible reward one faces in working with this age group; I find myself reinvigorated; eager to nurture my future students with the concepts I have taken away from this read. Thank you; Dr. Sweet; for changing my life as an educator.
