Teaching the whole person : the application of Gestalt principles in the violin studio : a doctoral essay / by Harvey Paul Thurmer.

Author/creator Thurmer, Harvey
Format Archival & Manuscript Material
Publication Info©1994.
Descriptionv, 116 leaves ; 28 cm.
Subjects

SeriesThomas Moore Collection
Thomas Moore Collection. UNAUTHORIZED
Contents Introduction. Background ; Need for the study ; Purpose ; Limitations -- Gestalt psychology: an historic perspective. Early developments ; The principle of integration ; Field theory ; The principle of adjustment ; The law of Pregnanz ; Gestalt therapy ; Conclusion -- Developing an holistic rationale for instrumental teaching. Polanyi the scientist-philosopher ; Tacit knowledge ; Indwelling ; Conclusion -- Implementing Gestalt principles in the violin studio. Organismic self-regulation ; Awareness (Four ways to develop awareness ; Five interferences) ; Mobilization of energy/will ; Action/trust ; Summary -- Gestalt principles and the physiology of violin playing. Steinhausen and Trendelenburg ; Rolland and Dounis ; Polnauer and Neumann ; Szende and Nemessuri ; Palac and Fray ; Conclusion (General principles ; Left hand principles ; Right hand principles) -- Summary and implications.
Summary This study concerned the influence of Gestalt principles in three broad areas involved in violin pedagogy. The three areas fit under the headings of aesthetics, psychology, and physiology. The goal of the study was to offer a framework in which a rationale for teaching, a style of teaching, and the content of what is taught could be integrated using Gestalt principles as a foundation. Five principles of Gestalt psychology were discussed and put into an historical context. These principles were then used to relate the three areas chosen for this study. The writings of Michael Polanyi and Wayne Bowman were examined in order to propose guidelines for a rationale for instrumental education. These guidelines were then developed in an examination of Galway/Green's Inner Game of Music. The commonalities of Gestalt therapy and Galway/Green's approach were presented and discussed. The focus of this section concerned the development of a teaching style that encourages the integration of the whole person in the music-making process. The third focal area was the physiology of violin playing. A review of the literature on this topic was presented with attention given to possible Gestalt influences on each author/pedagogue. Each of the following scientists/pedagogues was discussed: Steinhausen, Trendelenburg, Rolland, Dounis, Polnauer, Neumann, Szende and Nemesurri, Palac, and Fray. The conclusion of this section offered general principles that these authors propose in the teaching of the physical motions of violin playing. The concluding chapter offered a summary and implications of a Gestalt-based pedagogy.
General noteIncludes vita.
Dissertation noteD.M.A. University of Miami 1994.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (leaves 112-116) and abstract.

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk BF203 .T48 1994 ✔ Available Place Hold