Policy and Practice in Music Education in NSW State Primary Schools

This book focuses on the development and implementation of the New South Wales (K-6) Music Syllabus (1984) in Australia, and the effectiveness of the curriculum development model that was intended to overcome repeatedly identified deficiencies and policy implications arising from these findings. An examination of the events leading to the development of the syllabus revealed key deficiencies in primary music education and recommended that specialist teachers be used in primary schools; improved resources and facilities be provided for all schools; all children have the opportunity to learn an instrument; teacher training institutions and professional development programs provide teachers with better music education skills, knowledge and attitudes; and a new music syllabus be developed, based on children's developmental stages. This book, for practitioners, evaluates the development of the syllabus and its implementation seven years after its launch in relation to how effectively it addressed these identified deficiencies. It identifies key factors influencing primary music education and recommends some policy suggestions in response to the problems arising from these results.

Autorentext

Deirdre Russell-Bowie has been lecturing in Creative Arts Education for over thirty years. Her research interests include developing children s self-esteem through the arts and teachers attitudes to, and practices in arts education. Deirdre has won a prestigious National Teaching Award and University awards for Teaching, Research and Engagement.