Gary E. McPherson is the Ormond Professor and Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne. He has served as National President of the Australian Society for Music Education and President of the International Society for Music Education. His research interests are broad and his approach interdisciplinary. His most important research examines the acquisition and development of musical competence, and motivation to engage and participate in music from novice to expert levels. With a particular interest in the acquisition of visual, aural and creative performance skills, he has attempted to understand more precisely how music students become sufficiently motivated and self-regulated to achieve at the highest level.

This timely, fascinating and thought-provoking set of essays, says editor Gary McPherson, sets out to 'celebrate the richness and diversity of the many different ways in which children can engage in and interact with music.' It succeeds magnificently, but provides moreit is a book that can be heartily recommended to anyone involved in music making and education, and - not least - to every parent.

• SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENT ; SECTION 2: ENGAGEMENT ; SECTION 3: DIFFERENCES ; SECTION 4: SKILLS ; SECTION 5: CONTEXTS

Gary E. McPherson is the Ormond Professor and Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne. He has served as National President of the Australian Society for Music Education and President of the International Society for Music Education. His research interests are broad and his approach interdisciplinary. His most important research examines the acquisition and development of musical competence, and motivation to engage and participate in music from novice to expert levels. With a particular interest in the acquisition of visual, aural and creative performance skills, he has attempted to understand more precisely how music students become sufficiently motivated and self-regulated to achieve at the highest level.

This timely, fascinating and thought-provoking set of essays, says editor Gary McPherson, sets out to 'celebrate the richness and diversity of the many different ways in which children can engage in and interact with music.' It succeeds magnificently, but provides moreit is a book that can be heartily recommended to anyone involved in music making and education, and - not least - to every parent.

• SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENT ; SECTION 2: ENGAGEMENT ; SECTION 3: DIFFERENCES ; SECTION 4: SKILLS ; SECTION 5: CONTEXTS

Gary E. McPherson is the Ormond Professor and Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne. He has served as National President of the Australian Society for Music Education and President of the International Society for Music Education. His research interests are broad and his approach interdisciplinary. His most important research examines the acquisition and development of musical competence, and motivation to engage and participate in music from novice to expert levels. With a particular interest in the acquisition of visual, aural and creative performance skills, he has attempted to understand more precisely how music students become sufficiently motivated and self-regulated to achieve at the highest level.

This timely, fascinating and thought-provoking set of essays, says editor Gary McPherson, sets out to 'celebrate the richness and diversity of the many different ways in which children can engage in and interact with music.' It succeeds magnificently, but provides moreit is a book that can be heartily recommended to anyone involved in music making and education, and - not least - to every parent.

• SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENT ; SECTION 2: ENGAGEMENT ; SECTION 3: DIFFERENCES ; SECTION 4: SKILLS ; SECTION 5: CONTEXTS