Abstract
This initial qualitative study explored the lived experiences of American music teachers employed by international schools. Fifteen United States-trained music teachers working in international schools across 14 countries completed semi-structured interviews on pedagogical strategies and the role of music in the host country’s culture. Findings included three themes: The Culture We Expect, The Culture We Create, and The Culture We Learn Over Time. The findings contributed to the understanding of how music teachers adapt to diverse students’ needs and how Western school music traditions function around the world. This study contained implications for the cultural responsiveness, community impact, and pedagogical creativity of K-12 music teachers.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Bethany J.
(2026)
"When American Music Teaching Leaves America: Cultural Expectations in International Schools,"
Visions of Research in Music Education: Vol. 48, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/vrme/vol48/iss1/7