Embracing identity: An examination of non-Western music education practices in British Columbia

Although traditional music programs and university music and music education training programs have mostly incorporated Western classical music, British Columbia’s new curriculum signifies a shift from the Western classical framework to one that is more inclusive of the cultural diversity that exists in Canada. Using the frameworks of decolonization, non-Western music education, and music education and identity, I researched the current practices, experiences, and attitudes of British Columbian kindergarten to Grade 12 (K–12) music educators. I used a mixed-methods questionnaire to gain an understanding of the practices, experiences, and attitudes of these educators ( N = 80). Through this examination, I discovered that although 84% of respondents felt that it was important for students to receive a diverse, non-Western music education, only 63% currently utilized non-Western musics in their teaching practices. Respondents included the benefits or difficulties that they have experienced while including non-Western musics in their teaching practices, but they also talked about the barriers that have prevented them from including non-Western musics into their teaching practices. However, educators reported that by including non-Western musics, students showed greater joy, self-expression, engagement, open-mindedness, and empathy for others, causing a positive shift in classroom culture.