Public Music Theory's Neoliberal LearningOutcomes

Abstract

Recent years have seen a growing interest in integrating "public music theory"(PMT) into theclassroom. While proponents argue that PMT-related class projects enhance traditional learning outcomes,some advocate for PMT assignments that focus explicitly on job training, thus aligning the learning outcomesof the music theory class with those of music entrepreneurship programs-students learn to "marketthemselves, fundraise, and interact with the broader public beyond traditional concert performances"(Belcherand Grant 2019). We argue that such discourse reflects a neoliberal frame that encourages a marketized view ofmusic theory pedagogy-how music theory mastery can be sold to our students as a boost to their careers. PMT,with its emphasis on practical skills and interaction with a (potentially paying) public, is particularly susceptibleto this framing.