Changing the Tune: Rethinking School Music Programs to Meet Student Interests and Needs

Across Canada, music educators are reshaping their music programs to better reflect the needs, interests, and identities of their students. This session brings together panelists who are moving beyond traditional models to build inclusive, culturally responsive programs that integrate Indigenous music, steel pan, hip hop, music technology, and more. Panelists will reflect on the process of challenging established norms; from assessing student needs and collaborating with community artists, to navigating risks, barriers, and curriculum alignment. This conversation aims to demystify the process of transforming music programs and to imagine what’s possible when we center students in the design and delivery of their music education.