Mind the gap: privileging epistemic access to knowledge in the transition from Leaving Certificate music to higher education

Abstract

In recent years, music at Leaving Certificate level has come under increasing focus in media and higher education discourse as an easy option. In particular, scant attention has been paid to the musical knowledge and skills needed in the transition to higher music education within the Irish context. This paper addresses the perceived gap in knowledge through an examination of documents and student and lecturer experiences in higher music education. Findings reveal that students who have access to private music tuition because of their greater cultural, social and economic capital have a distinct advantage in higher education over those who have relied on the state for music education. Moreover, there would appear to be a shift in emphasis from practical to theoretical knowledge in the transition to higher education. More critically, the paper argues for a reappraisal of curriculum and knowledge at both levels in light of the implicit privileging of epistemic access to ‘powerful’ knowledge in private music education.

Keywords:

• music
• leaving certificate
• access
• knowledge
• cultural capital

Notes on contributor

Dr Gwen Moore is a lecturer in Music Education at the Department of Arts Education and Physical Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Prior to her appointment at MIC, Gwen taught music at primary, secondary and higher education levels. Gwen is the current chairperson of the Society for Music Education in Ireland.

Notes

1. In Ireland, the term ‘junior cycle’ refers to lower secondary education, which is of 3 years duration. Upper secondary education, termed ‘senior cycle’, is of 2–3 years duration. Students who complete senior cycle sit standardised examinations such as the Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme or the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme; the former two offering direct access to higher education, where the LCA does not.

2. HDip or Higher Diploma in Education is a postgraduate qualification in education similar to a Postgraduate Certification in Education (PGCE) in the UK.