Robbie Gardiner - Routes into music education

Music, Learning, Conversation

In this episode of Music, Learning, Conversation we are delighted to welcome Robbie Gardiner. Robbie is the Programme Lead for Music Education at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has a particular interest in whole-class music pedagogies and the combination of instrumental and curricular music education within schools.

In our conversation, we explore some key themes from Robbie’s recent PhD. This charts the journey undertaken by postgraduate students who are specialist musicians but learning to become professional teachers through a postgraduate teaching qualification. The nature of teacher identity is central to this discussion. How is this formed? How does it develop over time and what are the main experiences that shape it? And what is the interrelationship between one’s musical identity and one’s teaching identity?

We also discuss some of the challenges facing music education today in England. Chief amongst these is the imminent reorganisation of music education hubs across the country. Robbie has significant experience from his work across Manchester and the north west of England and is able to give us an illuminating account of the benefits and limitations of current policy in this area.
Finally, Robbie introduces us to an amazing piece of music by his friend Abel Selaocoe.
Music Learning Conversation is hosted by Jonathan Savage and Andy Scott, and is a UCAN Play podcast.
Produced by Josh Savage
Title Music - JellyBaby
Written and Performed by Dave Hassell & Andy Scott
Remix by Stan Scott
Voice over Sam Marsden
Mixed & Produced by Paul Dormer