School of Rock: Popular Music Learning (EDUC10058)

Many popular musicians acquire their skills and knowledge outside education institutions and traditional music teaching. Informal learning in music has become the focus of ongoing international research over the last decade and outcomes of this research have had a significant impact on music pedagogy in a growing number of schools throughout the UK, Australia (in particular, Victoria) and Canada. This subject examines the nature of rock and pop musicians' informal learning practices through practical music-making, selected readings, and research in the field that includes the analysis of music and investigation of the impact of digital technologies on these practices. Students will model these creative and artistic collaborative processes by forming their own ensembles, selecting repertoire, composing, arranging, recording, and performing. The experiential nature of the subject is supported by direct studies undertaken in music sites including community music venues.