Diversity and inclusion are popular words in the media today. They advocate equity for marginalized people. This includes providing access and tools necessary to thrive. Many college students experience inequity within school music programs. Unfortunately, it alters their trajectory as musicians throughout their lives. As a result, educators are advocating for harmonious inclusion. Many people term it as a way to advance diversity and equity through music education. Let us examine what it is and how we can achieve it. In this journey towards harmonious inclusion, students may also seek support services like ‘do my thesis‘ assistance to ensure their academic success.
Defining Diversity and Equity
Diversity in music is the presence of different things in the same place. It involves allowing people of different races, ethnicity, and religions in classes. Not only this, but it also cuts across the following:
- Social economic statuses.
- Gender and gender identities.
- Language.
- Ages.
- Disabilities.
- Sexual orientation, etc.
Issues of equity in education refer to fairness and justice. It involves understanding what students need to achieve equal footing in life. Not only this but providing services and resources they didn’t have access to. Although people confuse equity and equality, they are not the same. Equality means giving individuals the same opportunities and resources. In contrast, equity recognizes that people are different. Hence, it allocates the exact resources and opportunities necessary for an equal outcome.
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Harmonious inclusion in music involves everyone from different backgrounds. Beyond creating a diverse group, every member takes part in decision-making processes. They also have equal access to opportunities and other activities.
Why equity is important in the classroom
According to research, 65.7% of music ensemble students were white and middle class. Hispanics were 10.2%, and 15.2% were Blacks. Native English students were 9.6%, while 86.02% of the music teachers were white and middle-class. This type of environment lacks diversity. Hence, we have an idea of what marginalized students face.
Lack of Cultural Diversity
A comprehensive and well-rounded education program anchors on a curricular framework. The framework promotes awareness and responsiveness to and respect for different cultures. Culturally-responsive teachers design and adopt such inclusive frameworks.
Schools must provide equipment for students that want to learn. This type of support encourages participation. Each student brings a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences to the classroom. As a result, educators must support diversity teaching, including a high-quality music program. A diversified curriculum includes different traditions. It gives students equal opportunities to create and respond to melodies. They also develop music literacy.
Merging Boundaries and Experiences
Music has its roots in individual cultures. It bypasses prejudices and increases cultural and traditional understanding. Music helps humans communicate commonalities with each other. People of different races and backgrounds use it to express their perceptions of the world. They also receive knowledge of others’ viewpoints. As a result, educators must remove boundaries and drive to explore new things.
Eliminating barriers to musical education fosters an inclusive environment. Here, students can create pieces and share. They will also accept and support one another to achieve the best results. The cultural differences in a community should inform the curriculum. Not only this but the classroom environment and teacher-student relationship. Hence, teachers must start considering university students as culture bearers of music.
Quality professional learning is necessary to orchestrate connections. It connects the universal language of music and student culture. One of the ways to be responsive is to make programmatic and curricular choices. They must base on things you know about your students. Represent your current population in your curriculum and incorporate their preferences and experience. Also, remove questionable lyrics or racist undertones and represent different cultures.
Conclusion
Music is a social, human activity vital to how we experience the world. Exploring other cultures through music appreciation helps to merge boundaries. It also helps to share human experiences and influence cultural diversity. By promoting harmonious inclusion in schools, we celebrate diversity and equity in education. We will also create an inclusive society for marginalized students.
