Expanding Possibilities: How Broadening Curricular and Admission Practices Can Challenge Systemic Barriers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Research in Music Education Contexts (Table 10)

Abstract

This research is an examination of how broadening opportunities at a particular summer music program can impact music education. The administrators for this summer camp made an intentional decision to broaden curricular opportunities by adding an exploration pathway and decided to make auditions optional beginning in 2022. These decisions were made with the hopes of attracting more students to the camp. Data for this research include a comparison of student demographics between 2019, 2022, and 2023, interviews of the program administrator, select students, and instructors, and an examination of student surveys from a course focused on improvisational play. This research suggests a remedy for repair toward a more just and equitable music learning experience for both students and instructors.

Authors

• Amy Belinda Lewis, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Carrie Backman, University of Wisconsin - Madison