Ecosocial approach to music education

Abstract

ABSTRACT Collective cultural transformation is needed to save the Earth from the growing effects of the human-caused environmental problems. Music education, too, can take part in preparing future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address the world's complex challenges and create a more sustainable future. Approaching music education from the perspective of ecosocial sustainability can foster students’ sensitivity to diverse sonic environments and support the overall appreciation of multispecies communities and mutually beneficial ways of interaction in the more-than-human world. Based on the general theory of ecosocial art education, this article presents three practical approaches to music education, which can promote a sustainable life orientation: (1) Attuning to sounds helps cultivate one's connectedness to more-than-human others. (2) Reconnecting with sound memories helps recognise how sonic environments affect and indicate the lives of humans and other beings. (3) Co-composing with the more-than-human world helps to embrace the generative powers of creativity in experiencing interdependence with others.