Placing elementary music education: a case study of a Canadian rural music program

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to explore how one rural elementary music programme deepens students' sense of place. Place-based educational research has explored the implementation of such programme in the areas of social studies and visual arts, however, more research is needed to examine how music education can deepen students' sense of place, that is, their understanding of local traditions and the deepening of relationships with others. Using case-study methodology a richer understanding of how selected repertoire as well as small and large group activities enhanced students' connections to the people and places that surround them.

Keywords:

• elementary music education
• rural education
• place-based education

Notes

1. Students in Grade 5 are approximately 10 years old, and students in Grade 12 are 18 years old.

2. Grade 1 students are approximately 6 years old.