Expanding Boundaries: Incorporating Korean Folk Traditions into Secondary General Music,Part I

Abstract

Incorporating diverse musical traditions into school curricula enhances students’ understanding of global cultures and broadens their musical horizons. Despite growing interest in global music, Korean traditional music remains underrepresented in American music classrooms. This column introduces secondary music educators to Ganggangsullae, a traditional Korean folk music that integrates singing, dancing, and games. As the first in a three-part series, this installment focuses on “Intro Ganggangsullae,” providing instructional guidance and context to support meaningful engagement with Korean musical heritage. Aligned with the Core Music Standards—Connecting, Performing, Creating, and Responding—the column emphasizes active, participatory learning experiences.