From Standardized Competitions to Musical Monopolies: Promoting More Equitable Success Within Capitalism

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Examinations of Music Education (Table 22)

Abstract

The two-fold purpose of this philosophical inquiry is 1) to examine to what extent traditional and innovative music education practices correspond with the skills and values needed for artistic financial success within contemporary capitalist socio-economic systems, and 2) to consider how music educators might better support the artistic financial success of lower socioeconomic class students. Accumulating the greatest wealth within capitalism often involves creating new market segments which can be monopolized without fear of competition. Music educators can encourage musical monopolies by combining high-level skill development with unique artistic expression. Such action contrasts standardized, replication focused classical and popular music practices as well as short-term creative music elective classes. Understanding copyright processes may encourage more equitable artistic financial success.

Author

• Lauren Kapalka Richerme, Indiana University