Explore our collaboration with CLAS: Latin American Music in Education
We are excited to present the culmination of a collaborative effort between the School of Music and the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS). This project brings together a rich collection of Latin American songs, dances, games, and rounds, all thoughtfully designed to be integrated into educational settings.
What’s Available?
All of our carefully crafted materials are now available to the public through this blog. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply passionate about music and culture, you’ll find a wealth of resources ready for use:
- Instructional Videos: Step-by-step guides on playing traditional Latin American songs on instruments like the recorder and ukulele, performing cultural dances, and crafting instruments such as the Colombian rain stick.
- Lesson Plans and Activities: Detailed plans and activities that align with educational standards, focusing on the integration of Latin American music into various educational contexts. These resources are adaptable for different learning environments, including special education.
- Cultural Insights: Explanations of the cultural significance behind the musical elements, connecting them to broader educational themes like history and social studies.
Why Latin American Music?
Incorporating Latin American music into education provides unique opportunities to:
- Broaden Cultural Perspectives: Introduce students and learners to the diverse musical traditions of Latin America, deepening their cultural understanding.
- Enhance Learning Experiences: Use music as a dynamic tool to engage students in an interactive and meaningful way.
- Support Educators: Provide ready-to-use, culturally relevant resources that can be easily adapted and integrated into various educational frameworks.
Who’s Behind This Project?
This project is led by Natalia Moreno Buitrago, a doctoral student in Music Education, with the guidance of Professor Eugenia Costa-Giomi. Natalia’s expertise in music pedagogy, combined with her Colombian heritage, has been key in developing authentic and impactful educational materials.
How to Get Started
We invite you to explore the resources available on this blog. Whether you’re looking to bring these materials into your classroom or simply expand your understanding of Latin American music, everything you need is right here. Dive in, and let the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Latin America enrich your educational journey!