Learning Exchanges: A New Model for Participant Engagement in Musical Performances

• In Event: Challenging Boundaries in Music Education

Abstract

Since 2009, men incarcerated in the Oakdale Prison and women and men from outside the prison have sung in the Oakdale Choir. Members exchange reflective writing, write songs, and perform for incarcerated and outside audiences inside the prison gym. This research presents the findings from a learning exchange with the Oakdale Choir, the Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa, and two singer/songwriters: Maggie Wheeler and Sara Thomsen. We investigated these research questions:
To what extent did participants engage in singing and discussions during the learning exchange?
To what degree did the participants feel the various components of the learning exchange helped them reflect upon the theme?
What trends occurred among the groups involved?
What were unexpected outcomes?

Authors

• Mary L Cohen, University of Iowa

• Adam G Harry, The University of Iowa

• Liz Hollingworth, University of Iowa