Increasing Learning Opportunities for Nontraditional Music Students

• In Event: 72.037 - Diversity in Music Education

Abstract

Students disenfranchised with music education miss important opportunities for personal development. Three quarters of high school students don’t participate in traditional music ensembles of choir, band, or orchestra. In order to find new ways to engage these students, this study investigated an alternative approach to music education. Six non-traditional music students (11th grade) of two high schools in underprivileged districts in a large city in South Texas met with a team of researchers for six music lab sessions. Students had the opportunity to explore “alternative” music instruments such as theremins, loopers, and samplers. Findings show a need for alternative pedagogies and instruments designed to help non-traditional music students connect music theory with their personal musical preferences and cultures.

Authors

• Vittorio Marone, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Ruben C. Rodriguez, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Kelli M. Bippert, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

• James Borrego, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Charles Fletcher, The University of Texas - San Antonio