Strategies for the Development of Music Education Philosophy for Preservice Music Teachers: A Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review was to analyze and synthesize pedagogical approaches related to developing music education philosophy for preservice music teachers. The literature that I identified covered procedures and strategies that preservice music teachers could apply to their teaching practice. On my analysis of the existing literature, I categorized the development of a philosophy into a four-stage process of (1) discovery, (2) articulation, (3) application, and (4) reflection and revision. Results found in the literature included clear expectations and practical tools for each stage, such as dialogues, reading, writing, and constructive feedback, providing a critical view of music education philosophy and guidelines for effective teaching. Understanding the four-stage process may help preservice music teachers and music teacher educators to establish a concrete plan for the development of music education philosophy, allowing preservice music teachers to acquire more confidence in their transition to inservice teaching.