Teaching Synthesizer Performance

This paper describes research focusing on the teaching of synthesizer as a musical instrument. The teaching of synthesizer performance in Australian schools is in its infancy but is currently expanding. There is a need to promote excellence and encourage comprehensiveness in this fledgling area. The research reported here used a case study approach to establish initial guidance in the hope that synthesizer performance may grow strongly and contribute constructively to the overall fabric of music education activities in Australia. In particular, it. identifies areas of study which should be included in a synthesizer curriculum and highlights teaching and learning methods which seem to be effective. The paper concludes by addressing the institutional responsibilities, including resource and environment considerations, which support the teaching of synthesizer.