Embracing identity: An examination of non-Western music education practices in British Columbia

Abstract

Although traditional music programs and university music and music education training programs have mostly incorporated Western classical music, British Columbia’s new curriculum signifies a shift from the Western classical framework to one that is more inclusive of the cultural diversity that exists in Canada. Using the frameworks of decolonization, non-Western music education, and music education and identity, I researched the current practices, experiences, and attitudes of British Columbian kindergarten to Grade 12 (K–12) music educators. I used a mixed-methods questionnaire to gain an understanding of the practices, experiences, and attitudes of these educators (N = 80). Through this examination, I discovered that although 84% of respondents felt that it was important for students to receive a diverse, non-Western music education, only 63% currently utilized non-Western musics in their teaching practices. Respondents included the benefits or difficulties that they have experienced while including non-Western musics in their teaching practices, but they also talked about the barriers that have prevented them from including non-Western musics into their teaching practices. However, educators reported that by including non-Western musics, students showed greater joy, self-expression, engagement, open-mindedness, and empathy for others, causing a positive shift in classroom culture.