| Music education in the second half of the twentieth century has undergone tremendous changes as influenced by societal factors and key individuals in the field. Charles L. Gary was one such significant figure. As Assistant Director of Publications (1958-1961), Assistant Executive Secretary (1961-1963), Associate Executive Secretary (1963-1965), Director of Publications (1965-1968), and Executive Secretary (1968-1976) of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), he was instrumental in shaping the direction of music education in the United States. As the author of influential books as well as many articles and other writings, he was successful in describing and prescribing music education curricula, philosophies, and trends.;Through an examination of Gary's professional and personal writings, archival materials, and interviews with his former colleagues, this dissertation describes Gary's philosophy of, perspective on, and contribution to music education, providing both historical information and an analysis of his life's work and its lasting impact on music education. Important milestones and accomplishments of his are included, along with influences that shaped his thinking and led to his innovative ideas regarding the direction of music education. His pivotal role in the Tanglewood Symposium, Arts IMPACT, the Alliance for Arts Education, and Vision 2020 are described. Gary's humanistic philosophy of music education is elucidated though common themes found in his words and provides the underpinning for this analysis of his contribution. |
