Where is Music?: A philosophical approach inspired by Steve Dillon

Where is Music?: A philosophical approach inspired by Steve Dillon

For pre-service music teachers it is important to develop a personal philosophy of music education before entering the teaching profession. Having a philosophy to music education enables students to clearly articulate the meaning of music not only in their own lives but also how this might impact on their practice as a teacher. Many philosophies and theories (Elliott, 1995; Reimer, 1970; Swanwick, 1999) as well as particular methods (see Dalcroze, Kodaly and Suzuki for example) have been developed concerning the approaches to the teaching and learning of music. This paper will draw on some of these explorations however its main focus will be on the work of Steve Dillon. It will preface the inquiry by asking Dillon's three framing questions: Where is music in my life? Where is music in the life of a child? and Where is music in the life of a school? (Dillon, 2007). Discourse around these questions will be inspired by Steve's work in schools, universities and music communities. It will also feature interview data with Steve as well as his research publications. We dedicate this paper to him in memory of his passion and commitment to music education generally, but overall compassion and keenness for music and life.

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