Practice, Praxis: Critical Aesthetic Pedagogy and Alternative Approaches to Rehearsal in Music Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Participatory Action Research and the Multicultural Classroom

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions around the subject of practice (or rehearsal) in music education and posits that emphasizing Freire's conscientização and praxis as primary processes in practice reconciles incongruous notions around what practice is, what elements make for effective practice, and how individuals gauge success. Utilizing participatory action research, the study grounds its employment of Friere's work in the perceptions and responses of parents, students, and teachers at the Denver World Music Studio. Two case studies – one week-long intensive summer camp and one group string class - illustrate how Friere's processes empower students to actively engage in learning and to take responsibility for their own practice while simultaneously fulfilling teacher and parent goals of student growth and self-sufficiency.

Authors

• Loribeth T. Gregory, Denver World Music Studio, LLC

• Michael B. MacDonald, Grant MacEwan University