Cultural diversity as a challenge to music education in Colombia: Inter-relational issues in musical cultures, education and research

Abstract

This paper presents reflections based on some research projects carried out by the authors about the situation of musical education in Colombia. Initially it exposes several proposals and the complexity of its development; after problematizing different aspects related to the resistance of unfounded conceptions and institutional problems, it shows also promising processes and appropriate redirects of cultural public policy in this regard. Finally, it provides some conclusions and analyzes other possible routes for the advance of musical education in Colombia. The main objective is to cluster findings and critical considerations generated by the research group CuestionArte (Colciencias A category) about the field of music education in the country, in order to allow a comprehensive reading of the phenomenon. The methodological exercise for this article is based on a comparative analysis of results from mix methods approaches, which allows the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative outcomes from the several projects. The conclusion points out to the need and potential for the development of a musical education system in Colombia as a right of every citizen. This article contribute with necessary balances based on processes and research results that must be considered for the development of musical education in the country, it also contains that decision-making and public policy should increasingly be based on research findings and procedures.