A Model for Culturally Relevant Music Instruction
Brenda Brenner & Lissa F. May Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Pedagogical influences
- Shinichi Suzuki
- group instruction
- rote approach
- positive environment
- modeling
- correct repetitions
- Paul Rolland
- kinesthetic approach
- physical manipulation for correct motions
- spiral curriculum: action studies
- Mimi Zweig
- sequence of repertoire
- non-judgmental environment
Theme 1: Behavior management is essential
Culture shock
- Lack of experience with early primary students
- Lack of awareness and understanding of children’s home lives
- Lack of discipline (children)
Disciplinary system
- Strike system
- Three strikes, you are out
- Consequences: violin taken away, note home to parent, security called – sent to principal
- Points approach
- Points given or taken away based on behavior
- Various rewards offered – stickers, stamps, leadership role in class, free play with instruments
Theme 2: Positive reinforcement Gold Bow
Theme 3: All students are capable of learning
- Pacing instruction to accommodate everyone
- Adapting equipment if necessary
- Challenging bright students
- Giving positive attention to non-problem children
Theme 4: Teacher behavior affects the learning process
- Instructional pacing – stop talking, start teaching
- Non-verbal instruction
Theme 5: Teachers are role models in every aspect of life
- Understanding of children’s home life
- Communication with parents
Theme 6: Teaching is teamwork
- Teachers viewed themselves as part of a team
- With fellow instructors and mentors
- Ideas shared and implemented
- With children
- Listening
- Student led classes
- Games
- Who is learning from whom?
Theme 7: Building a human connection is the most important teaching tool
- Hugs
- Love
- Respect
- Shared human experiences
- Self-discipline
- Self-esteem
- Work ethic
- Love of music
Looking into the future
- Gain valuable experience in the real world
- Gain cultural understanding
- Learn beginning pedagogy
- Gain inspiration for starting another program
- Learn about themselves