Lärandet som bara hänger på väggen : En studie om musikens närvaro i skolan och fritidshemet ur ett sociokulturellt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to investigate why musical instruments are not used more freely and frequently during activities as recess or at the after-school centres. A survey was executed among primary school staff in Piteå municipality, Sweden. The survey addressed past experience of musical activities, interest in music as well as individual extent of musical education. Participants were further asked to give a recollection of the accessibility of musical instruments in their workplace and eventually to reflect upon how satisfied they were with current accessibilities and work procedures considering the use of musical instruments. The outcome of the survey shows that there is a high accessibility of musical instruments in the primary school organization of Piteå municipality and that elementary teachers, as well as after-school centre teachers, often have formal musical education in their professional training. Despite these seemingly good conditions regarding musical practice, music is still treated differently from other topics and school activities. This could indicate that there are other elements, apart from actual musical competence, that are the source of these misconceptions and insecurities concerning musical instruments. One such element could be the individual experience of musical training and views on musical competence mediated within former teacher-student relations. Other elements include discourse and social structures within the teaching community, connected to views in larger society on culture and musicality, that could be the real cause of musical instruments not being used outside of musical classes. This study raises the question of what is to be prioritized in the school system. Should music teachers still be the only ones “allowed” to play instruments? Or should school staff put aside their own opinions and insecurities so that children may have a rich learning experience in music which further promotes development and progress?