How to Include Cultural Diversity in Your Music CurriculumThey call music the "Universal Language." Music goes beyond cultural and language barriers, speaking to us emotionally as human beings. Music paints an auditory picture of a moment in time which incapsulates our rich history, culture, feelings, opinions, and many other subtle details of a cultural experience that enable its listener to appreciate and understand that moment on a deep level. Music quite simply, speaks to our heart and is a great opportunity to break down stereotypes and prejudices about minority cultures in the music classroom. This article will discuss how to include cultural diversity in your music curriculum through the music you share and the lessons you teach.
What Is Cultural Diversity in the Music Classroom? Cultural diversity in the music classroom begins with a music curriculum that includes musical instruments and songs from around the world, new and old. It is a time to begin conversations about culture, about how music has been influenced over time by people from many countries, and to help students feel proud of their own heritage. How to Incorporate Cultural Diversity in Your Curriculum
The Challenge Music educators can be faced with challenges when it comes to cultural diversity in the classroom. There may be prejudiced remarks or giggles from students who don't understand a new culture and its music. Be ready to address this in a kind way. Setting expectations at the start of a lesson will allow students to feel safe in expressing their own link to those cultures. There may even be prejudices within the school or community. Start to introduce music slowly so you can adjust your lesson to suit the needs of the class and the administration. Conclusion We live in a time when the internet has made access to music from around the world very easy. My own kids were listening to Japanese music when they were in elementary school just because they liked anime and they found it all by themselves! This is a great time to break down cultural barriers and give students a deep appreciate for all music. What things have you tried in your classroom? Leave a comment below. References: "Banjo" Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo (Accessed 5-18-2024) "The Indian Scale" https://www.ism.org/images/ismtrust/files/Takeaway/The-Indian-scale.pdf (Accessed 5-18-2024) "Japanese Scales in Music Theory" https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/japanese-scales-in-music-theory/ (Accessed 5-18-2024) "Our List of Music Scales From Around the World" https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/blog/our-list-of-music-scales-from-around-the-world/ (Accessed 5-18-2024)
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Angela BondMusic Teacher/ Musician/ Owner of Plum Rose Publishing Categories |