Multicultural Choral Music Pedagogy Based on the Facets Model

Abstract

Multicultural choral music has distinct characteristics in that indigenous folk elements are frequently incorporated into a Western European tonal system. Because of this, multicultural choral music is often taught using Western styles (e.g., bel canto) rather than through traditional singing techniques from their cultures of origin. One of the most important purposes of teaching multicultural music is to increase understanding of and acceptance toward different cultures and enrich musical experiences. This article details eight instructional strategies to help students learn multicultural choral music from alternative perspectives that enrich their musical skills, cultural understandings, and performances of multicultural music.