Una MacGlone | Mind the (confidence) gap: A case study investigating experiences of female students in Higher Music Education participating in an online free improvisation module

Event details

Speaker:  Una MacGlone (University of Edinburgh)

Date: Thursday 17 November 2022

Time: 5.15 - 6.45pm.  

Venue: Alison House, Atrium (G10)

Abstract

Recent interest in achieving gender equity in jazz and improvised music performance and education has been developed through various disciplines, for example, gender studies, music education, psychology, sociology and intersections of these. Music education research indicates improvisation as a problematic aspect for girls and women proposing a ‘confidence gap’ particularly with solo improvisation. Reasons for and strategies to address this gap have been proposed, however, the students’ own perspectives are scarce. This presentation will investigate if and how an online free improvisation class can disrupt conventional and gendered ways of participation and being musically creative. A case study of four female Higher Music Education students who participated in an online improvisation module in 2021 was undertaken through individual interviews and a focus group. Themes identified indicated that 1. students created and personalised strategies to address initial feelings of discomfort and 2. students customised the online space of the Zoom classroom to express their creativity through different modes of communication. Research-based principles for an expanded and inclusive space in improvisation pedagogy will be discussed.

Biography

Una MacGlone's profile page

Links

Una MacGlone's website (external link)