Music Theory in a Different way | 18/04/2025
Introducing Diverse Music-Making in the Classroom with Cultural Respect
How do you approach culturally responsive teaching in your classroom?
On April 18th, 2025, Ms. Andrea Tijanero—Music Theory TA at the School of Music and one of my favorite people (and friend!)—invited me and other teachers to lead a bonus class on embodied music for her theory students. I’m not sure if the room was packed because the students were genuinely curious or really needed that extra credit (okay, probably the latter—haha!), but the energy was incredible.
We began with a fantastic warm-up led by our colleague James Williams, who got everyone moving with rhythmic exercises. Then, I introduced Gumboot dance and O Passo, while Lenny Asharkuamoo(an amazing Dance TA) taught polyrhythms through movement—a spectacular session all around!
Developed by Lucas Ciavatta, O Passo is a brilliant Brazilian method for learning rhythm through the body. It’s so effective it might make Dalcroze reconsider his entire approach! In true Brazilian fashion, it blends playfulness with precision, allowing students to internalize quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes effortlessly. The method encourages improvisation and collective creativity—students don’t just learn; they experience music with joy.
The Gumboot dance originates from South Africa, where enslaved miners created it under brutal conditions. Forbidden to speak, they used their rubber boots—slapping, stomping, and jumping in sync—to communicate and preserve their humanity through rhythm. This dance isn’t just about music; it’s a testament to resilience and cultural survival.
When teaching music from different cultures, it’s not enough to just play or dance—we must honor its history. Without understanding the struggles behind these art forms, we risk reducing them to "fun" stereotypes or, worse, engaging in cultural appropriation. My goal isn’t just to teach the movements or rhythms but to connect students to the deeper meaning—whether they fully grasp it immediately or not.
As educators, we have a responsibility to go beyond surface-level engagement. What do you think?
