Popular, Informal, and Vernacular Music Classrooms: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to examine research in popular, informal, nontraditional, out-of-school, and vernacular music education from 2012 to the present in order to concentrate on recent literature and make suggestions to inform current practice. Researchers have indicated that these classrooms can provide creative and collaborative opportunities and can help students connect with out-of-school music experiences. In addition, these classrooms seem to align with culturally relevant and student-centered pedagogies and an inclusive curriculum. In contrast, researchers have discussed a perceived dissonance concerning the validity and use of vernacular music in the classroom (i.e., the musical genres considered acceptable in the classroom and how they support or hinder the learning outcomes).