Academic Major: Music Education: General Music Track
Title: Accessibility and Equity: Reducing Barriers in Rural Music Education
There are numerous barriers that can prevent certain students from experiencing an accessible, equitable, and high-quality education. Socioeconomic status, financial concerns, transportation and location limitations, scheduling conflicts, and adverse living situations are just a few logistical barriers. Additionally, racial and ethnic barriers, discriminatory practices regarding gender and sexual orientation, and lack of accommodations for varied ability levels and neurodiversity can also cause exclusion in the classroom. My research will specialize in rural education, explore methods of reducing barriers to music education, and combat these barriers through the development of inclusive curriculum and classroom activities. My goal is to offer a free, one-week youth music program in St. Lawrence County that is built upon these principles of accessibility. This program will use musical experiences as a vehicle for mentorship, exploration and cultivation of new interests, increased understanding of the world around us, and strengthened community relationships. I intend to use this research to demonstrate methods of tailoring teaching to suit the needs of each school and build upon the strengths of the students.
This project will teach me things that are not possible within a classroom. The extensive research-including surveying and interviewing human subjects-along with the process of working with the IRB will be beneficial in improving my ability as a scholar. The application of said research into the design of lesson plans and activity guides will aid in my goal of developing accessible curriculum that will ultimately enhance my ability as an ethical educator. Sharing the results of my research through media platforms and public presentations will contribute to this field of research and my ability as a professional. Finally, the production and facilitation of an elementary program will provide me with experience in teaching, networking, business, and accomplishing pre-instructional work that must be done outside of the classroom. This is experience that will not be gained in my regular program and a project that I will be able to speak to in future job interviews.