Music, Education, and Diversity

Bridging Cultures and Communities

This book provides important insights for educators in music, the arts, and other subjects on the role that music can play in the curriculum as a powerful bridge to cultural understanding. The author documents key ideas and practices that have influenced current music education, particularly through efforts of ethnomusicologists in collaboration with educators, and examines some of the promises and pitfalls in shaping multicultural education through music. The text highlights World Music Pedagogy as a gateway to studying other cultures as well as the importance of including local music and musicians in the classroom.

“This book clearly articulates the role that music has played and continues to play in the context of the goals and aims of multicultural education.”
—Constance L. McKoy, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

“This brilliant book describes the history of U.S. music education and argues for the need to include diverse musical traditions in our classrooms.”
—Anthony Seeger, distinguished professor emeritus, UCLA

“Provides a rich context for understanding how music can and should play a central role in the pursuit of a more diverse, culturally relevant education for our children.”
—Steven M. Demorest, Northwestern University