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Overview

This module is designed for students who may already have some teaching / observation experience and who wish to develop their knowledge of key aspects of the music curriculum such as music theory and composition, and elements of music history. It will also explore how to navigate aspects such as diversity, equality and ideology in the music curriculum, and understanding approaches to teaching these aspects in various educational contexts (e.g. private teaching, school classrooms); an emphasis will be placed on critical and enquiring thinking as well as debate on current issues.

Music classes for students to audit and observe classes may include music history, theory, analysis, composition, performance, pedagogy etc. There will be weekly seminars exploring contemporary issues in delivering aspects of the music curriculum, topics may include sustainability, diversity, inclusion, ethics and ideology. These classes will also explore ways of navigating these issues and themes in various educational contexts. Observations of university classes will be part of the module.

Assessment Strategy

Pass: C– to C+ (50–59%) The crucial achievement is demonstration of a sound grasp of issues relating to music education. However, the mark will be limited to this level by such things as: unoriginal application of a pre-defined methodology, which results in a failure to address its limitations with regard to the subject matter concerned; heavy reliance on and unquestioned use of secondary literature; inability to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant; poor expression; incompetent bibliographical and footnoting skills. In relevant assignments the lack of a bibliography will merit an automatic fail.

Merit: B– to B+ (60–69%) The distinguishing quality is the demonstration of a robust understanding of issues relating to music education. The work will therefore demonstrate the ability to develop an original and sophisticated argument without intrinsic contradictions and inconsistencies; the application of a robust methodology, ability to diagnose and remedy problems and contradictions within established approaches to teaching music performance; effective communication of ideas and argument.

Distinction: A– and A (70–83%) The distinguishing quality is the demonstration of novel and original insights into music education. Work of this category will typically result from: the aggregation of a sizeable body of previously unresearched information; the application of a range of methodologies; the solution of challenging problems or identification of hidden flaws in established approaches in music education; excellent skills of communication.

Distinction: A+ to A** (84–100%) Work at this level is of a standard that attains or closely approaches professional standards and has the potential to re-define the area or methodological debate. The work will demonstrate in a consistent manner all of the features listed in the 70–84% category, and will be of such a quality that it either stands up to publication in a scholarly journal in its submitted state, or demonstrates skills of model professional quality.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to create an academically informed approach to the teaching of music and express it verbally / in writing, as appropriate.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to critically assess teaching practices in Music Education.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to demonstrate awareness of contemporary issues in music pedagogy and the ability to engage with them critically.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to demonstrate critical appreciation of different approaches to the teaching of music.