Teaching Culturally Diverse Choral Music With Intention and Care: A Review of Literature

Abstract

In this literature review, I examined choral education research that extends beyond Eurocentric norms and in which researchers focused on the transmission of culturally diverse music and/or culturally diverse transmission practices that may connect to culturally diverse choral singers. I focused on practical implications for teaching culturally diverse music with intention and care. Research findings and implications illuminate possibilities for authentic, respectful, and culturally responsive teaching preparation, such as ways to decide on the song(s) one will teach, locate informants and resources, and learn about particular music. Additionally, one can draw meaningful insights for transmission and implementation, such as considerations for teaching context, foreign languages, vocal tone, expression, and movement.Ultimately, I summarized reported practices around building community, collaborative learning, and “horizontal leadership,” which may be apt for building firsthand appreciation and awareness of (culturally diverse) choir peers.