Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Music Education

Book excerpt: "Due to the demands and challenges of modern society, the requirements for a high-quality integration of interdisciplinary interactions in educational settings are increasing. When we provide the circumstances under which it is possible to establish meaningful connections between different disciplines, we offer, among other things, the opportunity for long lasting knowledge, critical perception and the development of transferable competences. In the present book, authors explore the potential of interdisciplinary interactions, while music education represents the thread of all endeavours. With the variety of possibilities, interdisciplinary oriented music education can contribute to the enrichment of other disciplines, while improving the fulfilment of aims in music education itself. The idea of building bridges, which authors firmly endorse, is reflected in various forms of cooperation, namely at the level of university teachers of different disciplines, university teachers and school/kindergarten teachers and among school/kindergarten teachers themselves. Interactions with music education are expanding from movement, dance, visual art, poetry, foreign language, natural and social science, history, cross-curricular connections in music-school education, to special education. Furthermore, overviews of the literature regarding the basic concepts of interdisciplinary perspectives and effects of music on a child's holistic well-being are provided. With theoretical frameworks, original research papers and practical implications, authors are attempting to evolve the field of interdisciplinarity in general and concurrently contribute to the development of the ways music education and included disciplines can thrive. The publication Interdisciplinary perspectives in music education can therefore benefit to educators of all educational stages from kindergartens, primary and high schools to universities"--