Open education practices have been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to promote student engagement and achievement in the classroom. In the field of music education, open education practices can be particularly effective in enhancing student learning and creativity. A recent article by Tanya R. Allen introduced published in Music Educators Journal explored the concept of open education and how it can be applied in the music classroom.

Allen defined open education as “a philosophy and set of practices that seeks to eliminate barriers to access and promote the sharing of knowledge and resources.” Open education practices can take many forms, including open educational resources (OERs), open pedagogy, and open access publishing. In the context of music education, open education practices can involve sharing lesson plans, recordings, and other resources with students and colleagues, as well as encouraging students to create and share their own music.

One of the key benefits of open education practices in music is that they can enhance student engagement and motivation. By providing students with access to a wide range of resources and encouraging them to create and share their own music, teachers can help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of music. This can lead to increased motivation and a greater sense of ownership over their learning.

Another benefit of open education practices in music is that they can promote creativity and innovation. By encouraging students to create and share their own music, teachers can help students develop their own unique voices and styles. This can lead to a more diverse and vibrant music community, as well as new and innovative approaches to music education.

To implement open education practices in music, Allen suggests a number of strategies, including using OERs, collaborating with colleagues, and leveraging digital technologies. She notes that social media and other online platforms can be particularly effective in promoting collaboration and sharing within professional communities.

Overall, open education practices have the potential to transform music education by promoting student engagement, creativity, and innovation. By embracing open education, music educators can help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of music, as well as their own unique voices and styles.

Source: Guarriello, M. (2023). The Application of Synesthetic Principles to Foster Musical Creativity. Music Educators Journal, 109(4), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/00274321231177242