Seven Steps to Heaven: Time and Tide in 21st Century Contemporary Music Higher Education

Abstract

Throughout the time of my teaching career, the tide has exposed changes in the nature of music, students and music education. This paper discusses teaching and learning in contemporary music at seven critical stages of 21st century music education:i) diverse types of undergraduate learners ii) teaching traditional classical repertoire and skills to contemporary music studentsiii) transitioning undergraduates through pre-service teaching into the workforceiv) supervisory pedagogy for creative work higher degree research modelsv) upskilling established teachers in musical practice and pedagogyvi) professional development for adult community musiciansvii) disseminating learning back into music and teacher education.Constant elements in this landscape are musicianship, practice, creativity, employment, aesthetic expression and personal fulfilment. Shifting sands include characteristics of learners, pedagogy, delivery, technology, industry trends, and learning through consecutive career stages. The final scenario addresses challenges for musicians and teachers to maintain their creative practice through self-directed lifelong learning.