Bridging the gap: how university music programs can integrate contemporary music creation into elementary school curriculum

Abstract

In this paper, integration of contemporary classical music creation in elementary school curricula is presented as a key to boosting student engagement and creativity. It identifies a gap between traditional music pedagogy and modern practice whose music pedagogy limits students' engagements with music outside of school. Through the use of university music programs for the development of professional development and collaborative curriculum development, educators become more inclusive in the environment of music education. Among many innovative practices including graphic scores, Sound painting, improvisation, instrument making and body percussion, the study reviews some ways of creating freedom and cultural understanding for the non-music students.