About The Writer
Mr Jason Edward Lance Bogart
IB Examiner, Diploma Coordinator, EE Coordinator and English Language & Literature Teacher with 20+ Years of Experience. Graduated with B. Ed Secondary Education & Teaching with a Major in Secondary English at Acadia University (Canada).
Music has long been a powerful force in shaping cultural identities, social movements, and individual experiences. From traditional rhythms to modern electronic sounds, the melodies and harmonies that resonate through societies embody the values, histories, and aspirations of people worldwide. In educational contexts, particularly within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), music education plays a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of these cultural and social dimensions.
The Role of IBDP Music in Cultural Appreciation
The IBDP Music curriculum transcends performance and technical skill, delving into global musical traditions holistically furthering student’s artistic skill and knowledge.
According to Mr. Jeffrey Vukovich, an experienced IBDP Music educator, the curriculum cultivates an understanding of different cultural and social norms through its four Areas of Inquiry (AOIs). “These AOIs encourage students to consider how different types of music are important to cultures and social norms,” says Mr. Vukovich. By engaging with these areas, students explore how music functions within various societal contexts.
1.
Music for Sociocultural and Political Expression
2.
Music for Listening and Entertainment
3.
Music in the Digital Age
4.
Music for Dramatic Impact, Movement, and Entertainment
Fostering Global Citizenship through Musical Education
The IBDP Music program encourages exploration and appreciation of diverse musical traditions worldwide. “The whole purpose of the majority of their assessments is to explore, experiment with, and present diverse music,” notes Mr. Vukovich. This approach requires students to immerse themselves in musical conventions from different traditions. For example, when presenting Chinese erhu music, they must understand the jianpu notation system.
Such engagement fosters global citizenship, as students gain awareness and appreciation for cultures beyond their own. “Students really end up appreciating and understanding music that they never would have had a chance to hear,” reflects Mr. Vukovich. While it might not become their favorite, the exposure broadens their horizons and cultivates respect for diverse cultural expressions.
Impact on Individuals and Communities
Music education within the IBDP not only enriches students academically but also impacts communities. Students have used their musical education to contribute positively, such as:
- Forming choirs for community events
- Creating ensembles for festivals and graduations
- Assisting in composing music for youth stage shows
These examples illustrate how students enhance community life, fostering social cohesion through shared musical experiences. Going beyond the perspective that art serves a purely self-expression role, such activities can help to cultivate a new perspective of how music can help impact others directly, in terms of entertainment and even comfort.
Addressing Social Issues Through Music
Music has always been a medium for social commentary and change. IBDP Music students engage by researching and creating music that addresses societal issues. For instance, a student researching Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” focusing on social inequality and gun violence, is now composing a piece using similar methods to comment on other social issues. This process hones musical abilities and deepens understanding of the role of art in addressing societal challenges.
Advancing Artistic Skills and Appreciation
Participation in the IBDP Music program equips students with skills and values beyond the classroom. They engage in rigorous research, develop composition and performance abilities, and learn modern recording techniques alongside traditional music theory. “After spending so much experience doing musical research, university music courses will be quite simple for them,” predicts Mr. Vukovich.
Students also cultivate a trained ear, enabling critical listening, identifying elements, understanding purposes, and appreciating construction. “Listening to music with a trained ear… will ultimately lead to a more enjoyable listening experience,” says Mr. Vukovich, though he humorously adds, “Or a disappointing one if the music is rubbish.”
Final Thoughts
The influence of music on society is profound, and the IBDP Music program plays a significant role in shaping cultural and social norms by educating students who are skilled musicians and globally aware citizens. Through exploring diverse traditions, community engagement, and addressing social issues, students impact personal development and communities. As Mr. Vukovich summarizes, while music education may not aim to foster social cohesion, “once musicians work together making music… a team and a social bond is formed naturally.” Thus, the IBDP Music curriculum contributes to a more harmonious and understanding society, one note at a time.
