Post by Hilary on Oct 11, 2019 9:59:48 GMT
Questioning the Gap in Music Literacy: Defining a role for the SMA.
The Society for Music Analysis has funded a two-year project investigating the potential gap in knowledge and skills of those applying to study music at higher education level. The project is led by me, Hilary McQueen, with the ever-helpful support of Esther Cavett.
Our approach is exploratory; we are interested to know whether there is a consensus on the suggestion of a perceived gap. However, other questions immediately arise. What is music literacy or, if not just one concept, what are music literacies? How does music literacy relate to music analysis? How can a music curriculum allow for progression to a range of future opportunities for young people, including a degree in music? Many will know that the numbers studying music have declined but is the solution to alter the subject matter of music degrees or to retain aspects with additional support (e.g. a foundation programme or optional modules to enhance music literacy) or something else?
The project began with a series of interviews with a range of people involved in music education at different levels. Two surveys are about to be launched, one for music staff and one for music students, to help us find the answer to the question about a perceived gap.
Up to this point, a wide range of views has been expressed about what music literacy is or should be and how it is or should be taught. Do join the discussion! You can reply to this thread or you start a new thread. If you have come across any resources that you have found helpful when teaching or learning about music literacy or analysis, do share them.