Music Education Special Interest Group
Research Seminar Announcement
Monday 16 March, 12.30-1.30pm in Room 728
"Musical Code Switchers: Perspectives from College Musicians Performing Inside and outside of the Educational Setting”
Dr. Daniel Isbell
Associate Professor of Music Education
James J. Whalen Center for Music
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.
In this presentation, two research studies will be used to help better understand musicianship and how well college musicians are prepared to play in a variety of settings, both inside and outside of school. One study was conducted over the course of two years and used data from 65 (undergraduate and graduate) music education students who were placed in informal learning situations, making music without notation in small peer-led groups. The second study uses the linguistic theory of ‘code-switching’ to describe the musical lives of four college musicians who have been successful performing in both educational and informal contexts. Results from these studies support the value of learning music by ear, making music in small collaborative groups, and providing children nurturing environments and a wide variety of music at a young age. Participants shared opinions of the musicianship skills and personal characteristics they believe to be most responsible in their ability to “code-switch” between their chosen musical activities. Together, these studies can provide practical insights into the culture of music in and outside of schools and how educators could bring these musical worlds closer together.
Dr. Daniel Isbell, Associate Professor of Music Education, Ithaca College; 2015 Visiting Fellow at the University of London, Institute of Education. Dr. Isbell is an active clinician and presenter at regional, national, and international conferences. At Ithaca College, Dr. Isbell teaches courses in music education, vernacular musicianship, contemporary ensembles, and conducts the all-campus concert band. His research has focused on socialization, occupational identity, and informal and formal musical practices. Dr. Isbell has also written about curriculum, learning theories in music, and the sociology of music education. Dr. Isbell received the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the Council for Research in Music Education and was selected for the Emerging Researcher Award by the Center for Music Education Research. As the recipient of a Sabbatical Teaching Award, Dr. Isbell currently teaches a course in Ethnomusicology at the Ithaca College London Center. Dr. Isbell is also an avid trumpet player.
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