The core aim of the program is to present several ways to expand the lens through which we view instrumental teaching in the twenty-first century. The course advocates for a shift in thinking, challenging unexamined assumptions about what is pedagogically relevant to music teachers in informal learning environments. It explores what shapes a broad and engaging curriculum, examines assessment procedures in light of the latest teaching theories and methodologies. Also, it draws on an interdisciplinary approach by engaging with a variety of disciplines and fields of enquiry that offer new models for music education in the profession. Chief among these are advancements in neuroscience, educational psychology, and socio-cultural perspectives.

Moreover, the program departs from the traditional ethnocentric approach that resists re-contextualizing pedagogical aims – often rooted in the habit of hostility between methodologies and music traditions. More than ever, we emphasize the importance of developing a global perspective on music education, one that incorporates musical practices from diverse cultures around the world and draws from a pluralism of teaching approaches.

The Program is delivered in three phases: foundation, practice-based, and integrative. Details about each phase can be found in the pages under the curriculum menu.