This thesis describes a qualitative action research process undertaken in the field over
approximately eight years of the development of an alternative paradigm for music education. This
new paradigm evolved from a simple, practical approach that was not, in the first instance,
designed to be transformational, but which quickly showed itself to have potential for providing a
different model for conceptualising musical engagement.
¶
It is argued that the standard and widely accepted approach to music education has aspects that
does not encourage on-going music making. This study conceptualises that traditional Western
approach in terms of a virtuosic mountain that prioritises and rewards technical achievement. The
concept of the virtuosic mountain is developed in terms of three Ps: Perfection, Practice and
Performance. The concept was developed by not just reviewing current literature but also by
analysing that literature in light of the developing new paradigm as a means of comparing and
contrasting the approaches.
¶
Called The Music Education Program, this new paradigm is based on a practical approach to
the sharing of music making beyond institutional boundaries like the school gate. Children do not
perform in the community but seek to engage others in making music with them without
reference to age, disability or skill level. The focus is on the social outcomes that derive from
music making rather than the improvement of skills, which develop as a natural part of community
engagement. In this respect, the approach has roots in community enculturation processes that are
no longer prominent in Western society.
¶
The new paradigm is presented with a contrasting set of three Is: Intent, Identity and
Involvement, which are designed to illustrate how the community outreach of the Music
Education Program provides a model for consciously reconceptualising our approach to music
education through re-visiting what might be regarded as old practices in a new guise. The three
Is are illustrated through a series of critical incidents that highlight the necessary change in
theoretical underpinnings that the practical application of the Program demands. This includes a
particular focus on the Intent behind our music making, rather than the quality in terms of technomusical
outcomes; stress on the individual and group choices that develop musical Identity; and
demonstration of the ways in which this paradigm may contribute to voluntary, rather than
enforced, Involvement.
¶
The critical incident data is supplemented by some survey and evaluation data which supports
the view that the social component of musical engagement provides an alternate focus to musical
development than does an achievement paradigm. The range of data collected shows that
classroom teachers can take a significant role in the encouragement of music making in the primary
school without relying solely on the expertise of those with specific musical training; and that
overcoming negative attitudes and experiences can transform not only the teachers relationship
with music but produce a positive effect on her students.
¶
The model described here has evolved through a longitudinal process that constantly maintains
the centrality of the practical operation of the program. In so doing, it moves away from theoretical
constructs that often do not seem to relate directly to practitioners but, at the same time, it avoids
prescriptive methodology. Theory is elucidated through practice in a way that encourages teachers
to develop their own practices that are consistent with underlying principles. This model is
transformative in nature, having first a transformative effect on the principal researcher and thence
on those teachers engaging in professional development with the Program.
¶
Since the Music Education Program does not yet have students who have exited the school
system, this study does not attempt to claim success in the long-term in terms of promoting ongoing
engagement through life. Data suggest, however, that it has had an impact in encouraging
teachers to reconnect with music making and enables them to share that music making with their
students, thereby helping to develop more school-based musical engagement that is also affecting
the broader community in the Australian Capital Territory.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/242938 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | West, Susan, susan.west@anu.edu.au |
| Publisher | The Australian National University. Centre for Educational Development and Academic Methods |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.anu.edu.au/legal/copyrit.html), Copyright Susan West |
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