Where we are now: examining the perspectives of three influential feminist music education scholars

Abstract

Feminist thought in music education orients itself in philosophy, theory, practice, and social-political issues to create a strong and compelling educational framework. As many foundational works in the area were written in a different social climate, an exploration of how these ideas apply to the world today is needed. The purpose of this study was to interview three influential figures of music education feminist thought to discuss the role of feminist theory and pedagogy in music education in contemporary school culture. Participants for this study were Dr. Elizabeth Gould, Dr. Patricia O’Toole, and Dr. Roberta Lamb; all notable figures and strong researchers in the field of feminist thought in music education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a feminist methodological approach. Findings included the implementation of a human-first approach to education, understanding and considering other cultures when teaching, breaking out of existing routines, giving students control over their learning, being self-assured, engaging in activism, and learning from others. Conclusions describe professional growth and suggestions for pedagogy, and implications for music educators are discussed.