How to Be a Successful White Music Educator

Teaching music of a culture that's not your own as a white music educator can be challenging to avoid cultural appropriation. To ensure cultural appreciation, it is crucial to go beyond surface level teaching by providing depth and authenticity in the music education. One approach is to explicitly communicate to students that this music is not your own, thus acknowledging the cultural origins. By following these three steps - doing the activity, informing students about the cultural background, and demonstrating the music - white music educators can navigate this complex issue effectively.