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HAROLD M. BEST
Dean Emeritus
Wheaton College Conservatory of Music

ARTICLES

This page presents links to articles written by Dr. Harold M. Best

MUSIC CURRICULA IN THE FUTURE

Dr. Harold M. Best, Dean Emeritus of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music (IL) and Past President of the National Association of Schools of Music outlines his vision of what music curricula of the future should look like. He challenges educators and students alike to re-prioritize current thinking in music education and place more emphasis on performing and composing. His comments on music as "language" are insightful, fresh and provoking. This article originally appeared in Arts Policy Review.

MUSICAL PERCEPTION AND MUSIC EDUCATION

Beginning with the seemingly paradoxical comment that he does some of his best thinking in a surburban Chicago shopping mall, Dr. Harold M. Best speaks directly to musicians on the subjects of "low" and "high" art, the popular culture, "kitsch" posing as art, and "attitudinal Muzak." He offers a vision for widening people's love for music by developing a life of diverse musical language and an increasing love of musical art. This article originally appeared in Arts Policy Review.

CREATIVE DIVERSITY, AUTHENTICITY AND EXCELLENCE

Dr. Harold M. Best, beginning with a paraphrase of Genesis 1:1 from the perspective of a musician, discusses the issue of creative (as opposed to "cultural" or "artistic") diversity and the implications of the art of shalom. He offers thoughts on the subject of artist valuing and insights regarding pluralism and creation (and re-creation). This article was the Keynote address/paper to the National Association of Schools of Dance and also appeared in Arts Policy Review.

WHEN IS WORSHIP WORSHIP?

Dr. Harold M. Best offers pointed insight about the concept of "worship." He challenges the idea that need to people "go" somewhere in order to worship; rather he argues that worship is an ongoing process, taking place at all times in all places. Once properly understood, worship is a freeing, liberating activity, rightly focused and immensely rewarding as it encompasses all of life.

THEOLOGY, MUSIC, SEEKERS AND SENSITIVITY

The Christian Church is undergoing a vigorous debate on the subject of "seeker sensitive worship." Dr. Harold M. Best posits his thoughts on the subject which are fresh and thought provoking. Arguing that the words "seeker sensitive" ought to be reversed and read, "sensitive seeker," he discusses two prevalent views of theology ("operations" and "policy" theology) and the consequences of a worldview governed by each. His discussion of the role of music and the arts in the life of churches represents an important starting place for congregations wishing to find common ground among those it reaches.


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