MOOC to help teachers keep tempo as music evolves

In the ’60s, it was rock ‘n’ roll that got the kids’ ears ticking. In the ’70s and ’80s, hip-hop, disco and heavy metal had their glory days. Now, the compendium of emerging electronic genres is just one of the many beats of today’s youth. Meanwhile, older generations scratch their heads and ask themselves, ‘Is this really music?’ Don’t fret, millennials love a bit of ABBA. But as music changes, music education has to change with it. That’s the message Dr James Humberstone, former school music teacher and Sydney Conservatorium of Music lecturer wants to broadcast to the world. Humberstone argued most music teachers today, in schools and universities, are brought up in the classical music tradition. Unfortunately, he stated, this is not the musical tradition in which today’s children immerse themselves. Rather, kids source their music mostly online and find it integrated with electronic instruments and tools – even if it may be of a more traditional genre. As such, Humberstone thinks music teachers must evolve as well. Though he did concede there are often good reasons teachers are reluctant to do this. “For many music educators, this mean stress,” Humberstone explained. “We’ve got to remember that most music teachers have done their 10,000 hours of learning, plus, on their instrument. Musicians, as a general rule, train longer than doctors and lawyers to become incredibly expert at something. It can be a little bit daunting to learn the newer technologies. You’re not going to just be able to put 10,000 hours in and become an expert on performing, composing, improvising and arranging with technology.” To help, Humberstone has developed a MOOC – The Place of Music in 21st Century Education – for teachers to gain an understanding of reconciling old teaching practices and pedagogies – which he said are still essential – with digital learning and the new genres of music. Humberstone argued the MOOC isn’t about telling teachers what sort of educator they could be, but rather how they can make their music teaching practice more relevant for students. Campus Review sat down with Humberstone to discuss these concepts, and the MOOC, in more detail: