Authenticity in World Music Instruction

Authenticity in instruction of world musics is a challenge for music educators. While, as a profession, we intend to broaden our students’ musical knowledge and skills, and have increased efforts toward including diverse repertoire in our classes and ensembles, music educators still have a number of valid concerns when incorporating world musics into curricula. These include: (1) lack of in-depth knowledge of, or experience with, particular musical cultures; (2) insecurity with foreign musical techniques, repertoire, and performance practice; (3) cultural misrepresentation or appropriation; and (4) uncertainty about appropriate pedagogical approaches. My aim in the subsequent discussion is to alleviate authenticity-related concerns, empowering you to include world musics in your teaching.