The field of community music is becoming a global phenomenon. Its growth adds insight into the expanded cultural context and is challenged to accept ideas and priorities in the field. With the increase in scholarships and academic programs in the music community the number of enthusiasts in this field is increasing rapidly throughout the world. Thus the agenda and context in this field need to be improved. As stated by the President of the International Society for Music Education Prof. Lee Higgins, Ph.D at the International Conference on Music Education Community (Intercome) at the UNY Rectorate on Thursday (10/25). Lee Higgins further said that the stipulation in a broad understanding of music education, community music places an emphasis on inclusive music participation. "Their practice is often an expression of cultural democracy and musicians working in this field focus on practical problems in creating and creating music for people of all ages and abilities," Lee said. As a support system that respects and celebrates community diversity, musicians working under the banner of cultural democracy claim no special superiority or status. According to Professor of York St John University in England, the music community must be open to no limitations. And as educators in the field of music need to explore what is challenging in the field in that field in its application. Music can be applied in prison, refugees and populace so that through music therapy people who are imprisoned can return to being good. Even the implication can be to educate children by loosening music tensions to facilitate communication.
The conference was opened by the Rector of UNY Prof. Sutrisna Wibawa, who said that music and education of art music were felt important in the past ten years. Although people at some level talk more about the development of life science and technology. "There is doubt that music plays an important role in creating a balance of life in the universe, whereas music creates harmony" said Sutrisna Wibawa. It is hoped that this activity can advance research and share research innovation ideas as well as practices to support music development and music arts education. Committee Chairperson Dr. Kun Setyaning Astuti said that the conference presented more than 100 speakers from lecturers, researchers, teachers and students from 10 countries including Australia, England and the Netherlands. "We hope this activity can encourage theoretical and practical views, concepts, research to support the development of music education and other fields" said Kun Setyaning Astuti.
Intercome is the first international conference held by the Department of Music Arts Education, Faculty of Language and Arts, UNY. The international conference took the theme 'Innovation for 21st Century Music Education', providing timely opportunities to take stock of the latest developments in music education and bring together educators, researchers and members of the wider community in welcoming forums where they can express theoretical views and practical, conceptual, research results and principles to help support the further development of music education. (Dedy)
