Rethinking the Elementary “Canon”: Ideas, Inspirations, and Innovations from Hip-Hop

Abstract

This article offers perspectives on disrupting the typical elementary school “canon” through providing considerations and pedagogical orientations for including hip-hop. Three issues of critical importance in elementary music education are addressed: decentering Whiteness in elementary music, understanding hip-hop in relation to culturally responsive teaching, and establishing new pathways for musical creativity through hip-hop. Engaging with hip-hop both as a genre and the product of a culture offers music educators opportunities to meaningfully reconsider their practices.