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socio-cultural Issues

Women composers in music programs?

To what extent are women composers represented in our music programs? To what extent are our music programs providing opportunities for young women to think of themselves as composers? Kerry Andrew recently problematized a gender imballance between the ratio of male to female composers present in contemporary society in a UK Guardian article entitled Why there are so few female composers. While she addresses several issues that contribute to this challenge the following passage invites music educators to take a… Read More »Women composers in music programs?

Women, music, and music education: FTM11 Conference

When you think of the history of music education do the names Frances Clark, Lila Belle Pitts, and Julia Crane ring a bell? How about Mabelle Glenn, Marguerite Hood, Eunice Boardman, or Consuela Lee? All of these women and of course countless others had, and continue to have, a tremendous impact on music education. In light of the upcoming Feminist Theory and Music Confernce or FTM11 conference at Arizona State University, we might pause to reflect on ways that music… Read More »Women, music, and music education: FTM11 Conference

Electronic conference proceedings of Establishing Identity: LGBT Studies and Music Education available

A number of papers presented at the Establishing Identity: LGBT Studies and Music Education Conference are now availble directly as electronic conference proceedings at the Bulletin of the Council of Research in Music Education website. The following papers are included: Opening statement Bergonzi, L. Keynote Address “I Always Think There’s A Band, Kid:” Queer Music Education Lost Gould, E. Queer Path and Career Path: A Phenomenological Study Cavicchia, J. The Go To Guy Duling, E “Off the Radar”: Reflections of… Read More »Electronic conference proceedings of Establishing Identity: LGBT Studies and Music Education available

Regina Carter's "Reverse Thread" as inspiration for potential chamber music projects

Wether or not your music program includes string education, it is well worth your time to listen to and consider including this NPR interview with violinist Regina Carter in your classes. Carter, a winner of a MacArthur Genius grant, discusses her work interpreting African folk music and realizing several pieces in new contexts on her latest album, among other aspects of her thoughts on performing and music in general. The instrumentation which includes a violin, accordian, and kora are compelling… Read More »Regina Carter's "Reverse Thread" as inspiration for potential chamber music projects

Music-focused Television Shows

MENC has the results of an informal poll on music-focused television scripted and reality shows. It seems, based on the additional comments, that many people take the shows at face value when considering their use to (or problems for) music education. I was surprised that few responses discuss the use of these shows in the classroom or the role that music educators can play in recontextualizing them or re-mediating the meanings that students make from their engagement with these shows.… Read More »Music-focused Television Shows