Music, Education, and Multiculturalism: Foundations and Principles

By Terese M. Volk

Book Overview

In today's multi-ethnic classroom, multiculturalism plays an increasingly vital role. What it is, how it developed, and what it means for education, especially music education, are the questions that form the essence of this book. Music, Education, and Multiculturalism traces the growth and development of multicultural music education in the United States from its start in the early 1900s to the present, and describes the state of multicultural music education internationally.
Beginning with a discussion of the philosophical foundations surrounding multiculturalism, Part I addresses the various definitions of multiculturalism and its associated problems and possibilities in both education at large and music education in particular. It offers a succinct discussion of the various philosophical concepts and rationales for a multicultural approach, and concludes with current thoughts and applications in music education. Part II follows multicultural music education in the U.S. as it paralleled changes in general education brought about by social and historical events. The last chapter in this section outlines multiculturalism in music education around the world. Part III focuses on the implications of multiculturalism for music education, both in teacher training and in classroom instruction.
Designed to assist music educators at all levels in understanding and implementing multicultural education, Music, Education, and Multiculturalism provides suggestions for curricular development, offers teaching strategies, and provides practical applications including materials and methodologies. Combining personal narrative and oral history with the support of primary and archival documents, this text is essential reading for all students and teachers of the history and foundations of music education and of multiculturalism in general education.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195106091
• ISBN13: 9780195106091
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Useful Resource

As a Canadian I usually read and advocate Canadian authors especially in the area of multiculturalism as it affects education. Why? Because CANADA is the only country in the world that proclaims MULTICULTURALISM AS NATIONAL LAW. However, I found this book very valuable in gaining a perspective on multiculturalism as it has developed in Anglophone countries around the world (I'm not sure why Volk includes Germany here though). If you are doing research on multiculturalism and the arts in education, I highly recommend this book for a historical perspective on the topic. Volk is thorough and well read and remains as truthful and to the point at possible when discussing such blatant dichotomies that exist in the American psyche as world promotion of peace in association with the UN whilst maintaining racism and desegregation at home.