What Do We Mean by 'Music?:' Moving Beyond Problematic Hierarchies of Musical Value and Toward an Inclusive Curriculum

Abstract

If we are to live up to our name as a School of Music, rather than a "School of Western Art Music and Jazz," we must be explicitly inclusive of all musical cultures as rich traditions worthy of study rather than considering Western art music as the main course and other diverse musics as optional side dishes and desserts. Additionally, we must prioritize not only musical excellence, but also teaching our students how to be a force for good in a diverse, multicultural world, and how to stand up against the racism, sexism and abuse that are rampant in the music world. This talk presents a rationale for a more inclusive music curriculum in terms of the styles and traditions we teach and a transformation of the mindset that determines how we teach them.