The Sound of Change: Reimagining Music Education Through an Equity Lens
As music educators, we shape not only the musical skills of our students but also their understanding of the world. Our classrooms have the potential to be spaces of inclusion, critical thinking, and social responsibility. This workshop will explore how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) can be meaningfully integrated into music education—not just through socially conscious repertoire, but in the way we present, discuss, and engage with music.
In this session we will explore foundational concepts of equity in music education. How do our choices in repertoire reflect—or fail to reflect—diverse voices and histories in a respectful way? How can we foster a more globally inclusive approach to studying and appreciating music? What biases exist in the way we talk about musical traditions, composers, and genres?
In this session we will critically examine the traditional Eurocentric approach to music education, and explore how we might replace this with an approach that values a wide range of musical perspectives. Participants will leave with concrete tools for evaluating their programs through a DEIJ lens, and ideas to make meaningful changes in their teaching practices. Music is about so much more than sound; it is about shaping the world we want to live in.
Session Objectives:
Identify the Eurocentric bias in traditional music education
Examine what equity might look like in a music classroom
Reflect on how equity can be woven into your music program
Gather resources and practical strategies for applying your learning
