Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the nature of John Dewey's meaning generation in artistic experience and to explain practically the phases of meaning generation at the scene of interactive discussion in children's activity of musical expression. First, the author examines and clarifies the theoretical framework of Dewey's meaning generation in artistic experience. Then the author uses the framework to analyze the "Togaton" lesson which was carried out in the second grade music class at Hirano Elementary School. The analysis shows the following phases of meaning generation: First, direct experience with sounds serves as the foundation of meaning generation. Then the characteristics of sounds are perceived and with the involvement of imagination, the quality is recognized. Finally, meaning is generated by recognizing the felt quality with words.
