Abstract:
What is biculturalism in music education in Aotearoa New Zealand? What, for that matter, is biculturalism – or what should it be? This research develops a critique of bicultural policies as they are present in the education system and in music classrooms in Aotearoa New Zealand and situates this critique in the context of a wider discussion about biculturalism in this country. It is argued that biculturalism must be understood as being part of the wider politics of colonialism in Aotearoa New Zealand; this conception of biculturalism includes the view that all forms of interaction between Māori and non-Māori throughout the history of this country are relevant to the discussion and that biculturalism is not merely a matter of government policy. This research draws upon literature from the fields of critical pedagogy and Kaupapa Māori studies in order to consider the way in which power structures relating to colonialism may be present in the music classroom, particularly those power structures that maintain and reinforce Pākehā dominance in society. It is argued that a critically bicultural music teacher will work towards the transformation of oppressive power structures in their schools and classrooms for the benefit of their students and communities.