Épisodes

  • S05-E02-DrEricsHLScourses

    S05-E02-DrEricsHLScourses
    Feb 18 2026
    See Eric and Beau's contact information at the end of these Episode Notes.NOTE of CLARITY: When Dr. Eric said no one but his students gets it, he is referring to HLS class participants, not the children, although they "get it" too. Dr. Eric's HLS courses are coming up.Worth repeating because some heavy hitters have said, "If you don't know Harmonic Learning Sequence, you don't know mlt!" Beau and Eric like to differentiated between standardized MLT with the ongoing development of mlt—the original preference Doc (Edwin E. Gordon) had for naming the body of work (almost 200 feet of space on the library shelf!) now most often referred to as Music Learning Theory or MLT.SummaryEric and Beau discussed Eric's Harmonic Learning Sequence course, which focuses on teaching children and adults to recognize harmonic functions through a "yes/no" game. [Yes, this is true, AI, but that’s among a whole gob of other things.] They explored how young children can naturally distinguish between tonic and dominant tones before being able to sing in tune, with Eric sharing his experience of teaching this concept to preschool-aged children. The conversation covered the importance of incorporating harmonic patterns into music education and how this skill can enhance improvisation abilities.Next stepsEric: Offer the Harmonic Learning Series course starting March 3rd and April 17th (noted as ongoing but includes specific upcoming dates)SummaryHarmonic Learning Sequence DevelopmentEric and Beau discussed Eric's teaching experience and the development of his harmonic learning Sequence. Eric shared how he accidentally discovered the concept of harmonic progressions while teaching children about resting tones, leading to the creation of his harmonic learning Sequence. They also briefly touched on Eric's upcoming course and the positive response it has received so far.Eric explained that infants as young as minutes old can distinguish their mother's voice, and by age two or three, children can understand concepts like "nice tones" and "yucky tones." Beau expressed confusion about why this natural ability to recognize harmonic functions wasn't explored more in music education, particularly given Gordon's work on learning sequences and tonal audiation.Teaching Music to ChildrenEric and Beau discussed teaching methods, particularly focusing on Eric's approach to teaching music to children. Eric explained his method of presenting wrong examples before correct ones, which he had developed independently and later realized was similar to principles in direct instruction theory. They discussed how children show when they are ready for more information by reacting to what makes sense or doesn't make sense. Eric emphasized the importance of listening to children and being willing to fail and iterate. He also mentioned his website teachmusictokids.com, where he has an audio example of a 1.5-year-old child learning and singing Yes and No functions.Music Learning Theory DiscussionEric and Beau discussed the relationship between harmonic and tonal audiation in music learning theory. They explored how understanding basic concepts like "yes" and "no" can make it easier to grasp root notes and tonal patterns. Eric shared his experience teaching children and his belief that natural progression in learning, such as crawling before walking, applies to music education as well. They also touched on Eric's challenges with academic politics and his preference for teaching younger students.Infant Music Learning PatternsEric and Beau discussed early childhood music education, focusing on how young children can recognize tonal patterns and harmonic functions before they can speak. Eric explained that infants as young as minutes old can distinguish their mother's voice, and by age two or three, children can understand concepts like "nice tones" and "yucky tones." Beau expressed confusion about why this natural ability to recognize harmonic functions wasn't explored more in music education, particularly given Gordon's work on learning sequences and tonal audiation.Harmonic Aptitude in Young ChildrenBeau and Eric discussed the development of harmonic aptitude in children, with Eric sharing his observations about young children's ability to recognize and respond to tonal and harmonic patterns. Eric noted that even very young children show reactions to unexpected musical endings, suggesting an innate ability to understand harmonic relationships. They debated whether harmonic aptitude might have a shorter developmental window compared to rhythmic or tonal aptitude, with Eric speculating that harmonic aptitude might be more fundamental than other musical aptitudes.Harmonic Aptitude and Brain ActivityEric and Beau discussed the nature of harmonic aptitude and its potential connection to innate abilities, noting that some individuals can excel in music without formal training. They explored the idea of measuring harmonic aptitude in people with limited exposure to...
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    59 min
  • S05-E01-We're Back!

    S05-E01-We're Back!
    Feb 18 2026
    See Eric and Beau's contact information at the end of these Episode Notes.NOTES:SummaryEric and Beau discuss adult students' learning experiences with audiation, particularly those who find Beau through his YouTube channel. They explored how adults approach music theory versus practical application, with many students struggling to connect theoretical concepts to actual improvisation. Beau shared insights about teaching jazz improvisation, emphasizing the importance of establishing context before practicing and the value of learning licks as a way to build vocabulary. They discussed the challenges of adult learners wanting immediate results and the need to manage expectations about the time required to develop audiation skills. The conversation highlighted how pre-screened students coming to Beau with a clear understanding of audiation has improved his teaching effectiveness, though he still faces the challenge of helping students connect theory to practice.Ear Training and Audiation InsightsBeau discussed his experience teaching ear training and audiation through YouTube, noting that about 50% of his students seek ear training specifically, while others focus on piano or guitar. He observed that students are often already familiar with audiation before their first lesson, which has improved his ability to help them practice effectively. Beau shared a transformative case study of a student who gained a deeper understanding of audiation and improvisation through singing tonal patterns and root melodies, highlighting the effectiveness of his approach.Audiation Challenges in Adult LearnersBeau and Eric discussed their experiences with teaching audiation and the challenges adults face in learning to audiate. They noted that adults often struggle with improvisation, and patience compared to younger learners because they often turn things into theoretical concepts. Beau shared his method of establishing resting tones and Eric mentioned the benefits of high-intensity exposure to music for improving audiation skills. They also discussed the importance of context and repetition in learning to audiate.Adult Music Learning ChallengesBeau and Eric discussed the challenges adults face in learning music, particularly the struggle between theoretical understanding and audiation. They explored how adults often have a strong desire to grasp theoretical concepts before developing the necessary audiation skills, which can lead to difficulties in applying music theory in practical situations. The conversation highlighted the importance of linking theoretical understanding to audiation and the need for a balanced approach in music education.Jazz Improvisation Learning StrategiesBeau and Eric discussed the importance of learning jazz improvisation through listening and memorization of licks rather than trying to reverse-engineer solos or rely solely on theoretical understanding. They emphasized that learning from real players and studying different eras of jazz, such as pre-bebop and bebop, is crucial for developing proper phrasing and sound. Eric and Beau agreed that while learning licks can be an audiational practice, it is essential to build a vocabulary before overthinking and to focus on learning lines native to the desired genre.Harmonic Learning and Tonal PatternsBeau and Eric discussed the importance of learning tunes and incorporating tonal patterns into chord progressions for musical development. They emphasized that students, especially adults, often struggle with learning melodies and need a structured approach to practice. Eric highlighted the significance of understanding harmonic functions through tonal patterns, while Beau noted the benefits of formalizing practice with specific repertoire and auditioning techniques. They agreed that Harmonic Learning Sequence can provide a grounding foundation before introducing tonal patterns, and that students benefit from seeing patterns applied in a practical context.Aural Learning in Music EducationBeau and Eric discussed the importance of teaching music through aural learning and audiation, emphasizing the need to simplify processes for students, especially adults who may overcomplicate their learning. They highlighted the effectiveness of using licks and patterns to build vocabulary and the importance of establishing context before practicing complex musical concepts. They also touched on the challenges of explaining audiation to parents and the need for patience in the learning process, as it can take years to master.Hosts:Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon. Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum:Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. See Dr. Eric's course schedule and register here.Email Dr. Eric: Teachmusictokids@gmail.comBeau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music ...
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    36 min
  • s4e04-Harmonic Learning Sequence 2.0

    s4e04-Harmonic Learning Sequence 2.0
    Oct 21 2024

    Jacob Collier insane harmonies to Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water

    Anders Ericsson's book, Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

    Hosts:

    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    1 h et 5 min
  • s4e03-Eric's former student, Keith Fleming

    s4e03-Eric's former student, Keith Fleming
    Oct 8 2024

    Keith on IG
    @_KeithFleming
    @RightDirectionProject

    Keith Fleming on Facebook
    The Right Direction Project on Facebook

    Hosts:

    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual

    Private Zoom lessons available for guitar, piano, curriculum building, and more.
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    44 min
  • s4e02-Molly Gebrian and the neuroscience of practicing

    s4e02-Molly Gebrian and the neuroscience of practicing
    Sep 30 2024

    Dr. Molly Gebrian's new book: "Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing"

    Dr. Gebrian's website: https://www.mollygebrian.com

    Hosts:

    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual

    Private Zoom lessons available for guitar, piano, curriculum building, and more.
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    1 h et 57 min
  • s4e01-Preview of season 4

    s4e01-Preview of season 4
    Sep 21 2024

    Hosts:

    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    35 min
  • s3e10-Special Guest Emily Moscoe

    s3e10-Special Guest Emily Moscoe
    Jun 10 2024

    Hosts:

    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    1 h et 18 min
  • s3e09-Dr. Terry Bacon discusses renorming PMMA

    s3e09-Dr. Terry Bacon discusses renorming PMMA
    May 27 2024

    Special Guest: Dr. Terry Bacon
    tebacon@buffalo.edu

    Hosts:
    Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
    Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
    Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum: Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. Teachmusictokids@gmail.com

    Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual
    https://www.beautaillefer.ca
    info@beautaillefer.ca
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    1 h et 52 min