Music and Eugenics with Alexander Cowan
Sound Expertise
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Eugenics and the Science of Musical Talent
This chapter examines the eugenics movement's influence on music education from the 19th to early 20th centuries, exploring key figures like Charles Davenport. It discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding the measurement of musical ability and the integration of eugenics into educational testing methods at institutions like the Eastman School of Music. The narrative critically reflects on societal implications, emphasizing how pseudoscientific ideologies shaped perceptions of talent and hierarchical roles within society.
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