Proceeding of the past Conferences /

World Congress on Inspired Ecucation 2018

Laying the Foundation For the Inclusion of indigenous Music in Elementary and Secondary Puerto Rican Music Education

Part of the New Music Concepts and Inspired Education book series (NMC volume 6)
ISBN: 978-88-944350-0-9

Author(s): Francisco L. Reyes

Abstract: The framework of Puerto Rican music education has for decades mar- ginalized the island’s musics; local music teacher education programs do not offer instruction in the country’s music. School curricula make no mention of Puerto Rican music. Consequently, this paper argues for a culturally responsive Puerto Rican music education, by highlighting the benefits of adopting such pedagogical approach. Furthermore, Puerto Rican music has survived within communal set- tings; hence exposure to these musics opens up the possibility to a community of practice and the benefits of lifelong music engagement within these settings.

Keywords: Puerto Rico, music education, indigenous knowledge, traditional music