ABSTRACT
This chapter describes two distinct threads which deserve attention in music education research. First, it outlines some of the new influences from the field of evolutionary psychology which mesh with neurological research to suggest fruitful avenues for the development of innovative pedagogical practice. Second, it exemplifies the potential of the technique of action research as a means of refining and evaluating influences on the musical thinking and behaviour of teachers and learners. Action research involves a number of interconnected cycles of research planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The aim of the project was to create an innovative teaching tool with flexibility and potential. The pedagogical system became known for practical purposes as Harmony Signing, though not all activities involved either the experience of harmony or communication through gesture. Simple voice-leading principles which are learned simultaneously with the signs that represent them allow participants to create rich and functional harmonic textures.
