BLM: Blackness and Latinidad in the Music Classroom

• In Event: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Music Education

Abstract

Codeswitching (CS) in music often denotes the mixing of musical ideas and genres. To make visible the lived experiences of individuals who form a consistently underrepresented group in music classrooms, CS is explored in discrete domains (linguistic, behavioral, musical) in a framework we call ‘transmusicianship’. Criterion-based selection yielded a sample of Spanish-English bilinguals of (Afro)-Caribbean heritage. Qualitative data collection was carried out using a three-stage interview model. We find higher CS competencies allows greater access to the majority music culture but comes at a physical and psychological cost. Understanding the nature of multi-domain CS provides insight into in-school music participation of students and faculty from historically marginalized populations, and points to contexts where CS adds value to music education.

Authors

• Marjoris Victoria Regus, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Teresa Satterfield, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor