Extending musical horizons and diversifying the educational visions : a case study examining the integration of music ensembles from various cultures in a school of music in the United States

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Nabil F. Rahma (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Constance McKoy

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the integration of three music ensembles from various cultures in a School of Music in the Southeastern US: Indian, Old-Time, and Steelpan Ensembles. Through the lenses of social justice and multicultural music education, I aimed to gain insights into how these ensembles navigate the existing music education system at the collegiate level, exploring their strategies to challenge the status quo and foster success. Moreover, I focused on understanding the reasons that motivated students to participate in these ensembles and the benefits they gained from their experiences. The study took place during Spring 2023, with a total of ten participants, including three ensemble directors, two students from each ensemble, and one ethnomusicology professor. By adopting a qualitative case study methodology, I collected multiple forms of data, including individual and joint interviews, field notes from observation, and analysis of documents and learning materials. Findings suggested that these ensembles were unable to influence fundamental changes and challenge the dominance of the Eurocentric paradigm in terms of the School’s policies and level of support. There were varied perspectives presented due to advantages or challenges arising from disparities in support among these ensembles, both among themselves and in comparison to other settings within the school. However, findings highlighted that there was indeed a positive, active, and encouraging transformation in the teaching and learning milieu taking place within the classrooms of these ensembles.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
Diversity, Inclusion, Indian Music Ensemble, Music Education, Old-Time Ensemble, Steelpan Ensembles
Subjects
Music $x Instruction and study $x Education (Higher)
Instrumental ensembles
Music $z India
Old-time music
Steelpan music
Social justice $z United States

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