Using an Equity-Centered Framework to Guide Family Engagement: Supporting Children’s Lifewide Music-Making through Reciprocal Partnerships

Abstract

Engaging families in partnerships that promote student learning and build trust between music educators and the community can be challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide suggestions to help music teachers engage families to support children’s lifewide music-making. We share research and scholarship on family musical practices, family composition in the United States, family-inclusive practices, as well as some families’ views of and hopes for music education. We use this literature and an equity-centered framework of family engagement to provide suggestions to build reciprocally beneficial family partnerships, as well as sample materials teachers can use.