Models for Beginners in Composition was one of Arnold Schoenberg's earliest attempts to reach a broad American audience through his pedagogical ideas. The novelty of MModels for Beginners in Composition lay in its streamlined approach-one basing all aspects of composition including motivic design, harmony, and the construction of themes on the two-measure phrase.

In its practical function as a syllabus for the American classroom, Models for Beginners in Composition stands alone. One of its most significant contributions to American music education was its use of...