The Global Music Classroom

Course Description

Summary

This course will introduce students to several methods for incorporating diverse global music practices into the general music classroom. Geared toward K-12 music education, our course will combine experiences in music, cultural understanding, and culturally sensitive pedagogical strategies. We will listen actively, sing, dance, play instruments, and discuss the sociocultural and sociohistorical contexts of the cultures whose music we are studying. We will think about world music pedagogy as a bridge connecting students to people different from themselves and the role of the music educator in building intercultural understanding and mutual respect through teaching diverse forms of musical knowledge and skills. Hands-on music activities will be tailored for use at various educational levels, from early elementary through high school and community participants of all ages. The class will introduce students to some key principles of teaching and learning in the General Music classroom and students will build experience in crafting lesson plans on the topics of the class and teaching them to each other. Students will also have the opportunity to observe music teachers at work in music classrooms throughout the town of Bennington and surrounding areas. During the semester, we will cover a wide range of music practices from Latin America, The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the indigenous and diasporic populations of the United States. Although reading music notation is not a requirement in this course, a degree of musical knowledge and experience playing an instrument or singing will be helpful.