Refocusing the ‘I’ : developing a research agenda for meaningful music making for life

Abstract: Teaching and learning music in the 21st century in classrooms, studios and community setting is complex. The role and function of music making in contemporary society globally is problematised by cultural, technological and popular notions of what music is and our shifting relationship to it. This paper argues that we need to refocus music education on identity, intrinsicality, inclusion and interpersonal relationships a refocusing of the ‘I’ to give access to meaningful music making for all for life. The paper summarises the author’s research into music and meaning which provides an examination of pragmatist philosophy in practice through the notions of the student as maker, teacher as builder and the school as village. In conclusion, a framework for further research is offered that seeks to highlight the key issues facing post-colonial music education.