From Curiosity to Craft: A Pedagogical Approach to Critical and Creative Music- Making

This presentation shares a pedagogical approach used in the Music Collaboration and Production classroom at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music to discursively analyse phenomena in the world, and to develop musical responses that allow students to develop their craft in an independent, critical, and creative manner. The aim of this approach is to encourage curiosity about the world and allow for this curiosity to develop into meaningful and creative artistic practices that inspire a critically reflects on issues in society. While traditional music education focuses on the development of technical musical skills for the industry, there is a growing expectation for musicians to independently create art and to use music to reflect on issues of society. This framing repositions the musician from a craftsperson to a creative and critical artist with agency. As such, there is a need for music education to evolve, inspiring students to reflect on their relationship with their art and the world, and to have the courage to chart new paths forward with music; where the newness and the relevance of their music brings their curiosity to fruition. Through examining examples of artistic creations based on this approach that foster collaboration across genres, disciplines, and backgrounds, we reflect on the possibilities for expanding curriculum structure and pedagogical practices to inspire curiosity and courage. Thus, we consider the wider implications that it has on higher music education and contemporary musicianship toward a meaningful and grounded practice.