Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory provides an innovative tool in music education, focusing on the development of musicality through hands-on processes. It includes the explanation of when, why, and how individuals learn music and builds on the concepts of musical aptitude and audiation to provide information and practice on the stages of musical development (Gordon, 1999, 2011, 2013). Music Learning Theory draws on the theoretical framework of educational psychology, in particular the theories of Robert Gagne and Jerome Bruner, as well as theories related to language development, as it can be seen that music learning follows a similar path to language development (Gordon, 2011). Based on the framework provided by Music Learning Theory, music educators can design and implement the most appropriate interventions for the musical development of individuals of all ages, following the spiral model of learning and creating the optimal learning environment in which each individual is supported to progress in their deepening and understanding of music. Music Learning Theory can be integrated into different learning contexts and age groups, such as general music education, learning to play a musical instrument, musical ensembles such as choirs, orchestras, or bands, etc. (Gordon, 2013).

The aim of this workshop is to present the fundamental principles of the theory and propose practical ways of applying it to the Greek educational setting, incorporating elements of Greek music. It will begin with a brief presentation of the Theory, explaining the concept of audiation and the stages that music learning should follow, with particular emphasis on how the Theory can be adapted to the Greek educational and cultural context. Participants will take part in practical activities to put the theory into practice. 

Through listening and movement activities, they will explore rhythms and melodies based on the richness of Greek music. They will also take part in improvisation activities, creating melodic and rhythmic patterns found in Greek music. Through these experiences, they will understand how the use of familiar musical elements can enhance the development of students' listening skills and connection to music.

The workshop is aimed at music teachers and anyone interested in Music Learning Theory as a practical, creative and culturally informed process.

• Music and sound education experiences, values, and practices
• Meaningful musical experiences

Maria Papazachariou-Christoforou, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in Music Education and Pedagogy at the Department of Education Sciences, European University Cyprus. Her research focuses in the sociological dimensions of music pedagogy and musical identities, early childhood music education, musical parenting, and informal music learning practices. She is the founder and director of the LifeLong Music Engagement Research Unit, SosciEAtH, serves on the board of the EuNetMERYC, and she is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood (Intellect). She has expertise in Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory and is an active member of the GIML. Her research activities include collaboration with other academic institutions through the Erasmus+ programme and other initiatives. Dr. Papazachariou-Christoforou has presented research papers at numerous international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. 

Elissavet Perakaki (PhD, post-PhD) serves as a member of the teaching and research staff at the Department of Musical Studies at NKUA since 2020. She has taught music in public primary and secondary schools and conservatories since 1998. Her research interests include music in infancy, innovative teaching methods, creativity, music teachers’ training, and lifelong learning. She organizes music educational programs for infants-caregivers, children, and adults and participates in various European and local projects regarding music education. She is the author (Fagotto: 2008, 2009) and co-author (Fagotto: 2018 & 2023 and Ellinoekdotiki, 2021) of five books in Greek. She is the president of the Greek Society for Music Education (GSME) and is currently the chair of ISME’s Music in the Schools & Teacher Education Commission (MISTEC) for 2024-2026.