Overcoming Barriers in Music Education

Essay from the year 2018 in the subject Musicology - Miscellaneous, grade: High Distinction, Griffith University (Queensland Conservatorium of Music), course: Digital Music and Culture (3712QCM), language: English, abstract: The incorporation of technology in the music education industry has historically been met with hesitation due to the various challenges it presents and perceived ramifications. Mercer (2009) advises, 'A cautious, but open mind and a careful plan will result in the gradual integration of educationally sound technology into your learning environment'. This essay carefully examines selected technologies, their design, function, advantages, and limitations. In addition to this, the essay discusses the potential of each technology to tackle a current barrier preventing equal access to music education. The chosen technologies include group piano instruction (financial hardship), synchronous online piano teaching (distance), sensorimotor piano system (disability), Virtual Reality Exposure Training (psychological disorder), and Band-in- a-Box (higher education opportunities). This paper will ultimately prove existing barriers to music education can be overcome with the exploitation of contemporary technologies.

Platinum Griffith Graduate of Influence Award recipient Kassidy-Rose McMahon (B.Mus.) is a Brisbane-based music teacher with an inextinguishable passion for education.