Aboriginal Indigenous Music Education

Week 1!

This week, I began to see music as much more than sound — it can carry language, story, identity and connection to Country. I especially found the idea of culture as something shaped by people, place, values, customs and language really thought-provoking; it made me reflect on the things that make up my own identity too.

Learning about Balang Lewis’ Lingmarra showed me how a song can hold a deeply personal story while also calling people together. I am beginning to understand that, as a future music teacher, I need to approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music with care, respect, listening, and proper consultation — not just treat it as another song to add to a lesson. I left the class with a lot to think about, including how I can make my Acknowledgement of Country genuine rather than sounding like I am reading the in flight safety magazine!