Teaching Culture and Identity Through Music: Building and Teaching a High School Music and Ethnic Studies Course

In this session, the clinician will share their experience developing and piloting a high school Music and Ethnic Studies course that fulfills both California A-G graduation requirements and the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. Participants will explore the course structure, instructional strategies, and curriculum design used to examine culture, identity, community, and historical experiences through music. The presentation will feature examples of student projects, assessments, and culminating capstone work from units focused on African American, Latinx American, Asian American, and Indigenous communities. The clinician will also reflect on successes, challenges, and key lessons learned during the first year of implementation. Attendees will leave with practical resources and ideas that can be adapted to music classrooms, general music courses, and interdisciplinary programs. A question-and-answer session will provide opportunities for discussion and collaboration.