Show Notes
Equity Leadership Now! hosts conversations with equity-conscious leaders from pre-K through university settings who transform structures and strategies for educating students, particularly for those who are marginalized.
In episode 12 of the Equity Leadership Now! podcast, Dr. Raffaele Pozzi, a professor of musicology and pedagogy at Roma Tre University in Rome, Italy, discusses the role of music education in shaping democratic and multicultural societies with host Dr. Jabari Mahiri. Dr. Pozzi emphasizes the need for a broader, more inclusive approach to music, where the focus is not only on the theoretical or technical aspects of music but also on listening, understanding, and appreciating diverse musical traditions. He stresses that music education should involve both academic learning and practical experience, highlighting the significance of becoming “a good listener” to different musical genres, which can foster greater empathy and cultural awareness.
Dr. Pozzi believes that music education can contribute to a more democratic society by encouraging students to engage with music from various cultures and backgrounds, thus promoting an understanding of difference and diversity. In his view, music is not just a technical skill but a means of connecting with different human experiences and expanding worldviews.
A key point of the discussion is the concept of becoming “a good listener." Pozzi argues, that to become “a good listener means also to be more communicative,” and that good listening is essential for both music education and interpersonal communication. He contrasts this with a traditional, "grammatical" approach to music that prioritizes technical knowledge over experiential engagement with music. He critiques the social barriers that often associate classical music with social class and suggests that music education should encourage young people to explore various genres, including rock and hip-hop, with an open mind.
Dr. Mahiri and Dr. Pozzi also explore the pedagogical implications of incorporating diverse musical genres into curriculum. Pozzi stresses that the value of music lies in its artistic and aesthetic richness, not in genre distinctions. He advocates for a curriculum that fosters curiosity and invites students to experience music outside of their immediate preferences. Mahiri raises thought-provoking questions, such as what happens when youth are more expert in a particular genre than the teacher? And how might educators navigate topics like drug-use, that are thematized in hip-hop music? Mahiri also asks, “How do we deal with these controversial issues that may actually represent the authentic interests and in some cases, values of youth?”
In addressing the challenge of reconciling controversial content, such as the drug-related themes in hip-hop songs, Pozzi suggests that educators should engage students' values critically, using such moments as opportunities to expand their understanding of the broader cultural context.
