Exploring the Reception of Hungarian Music in Textbooks for the Primary and Middle Schools in Italy (Accepted)

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
This paper investigates the inclusion and reception of Hungarian music in music education textbooks for primary and middle schools in the Italian context. The research aims to uncover the extent to which Hungarian music is represented in these textbooks and analyzes the overall reception and impact on students’ musical knowledge and cultural awareness.
A qualitative research methodology was employed, which included conducting an extensive literature review in the field of intercultural music education and a content analysis of relevant textbooks that have been used in primary and middle schools over the past 30 years.
The findings provide insights into the various approaches to teaching Hungarian musical culture. While the textbooks for primary schools show a marked focus on vocal repertoire and are mainly based on the Kodály concept, the textbooks for middle schools focus on music history content and composers, such as Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók. This shows the importance of incorporating Hungarian music into music education curricula, promoting cultural diversity, and enhancing students’ musical experience through comparison and dialogue.
Therefore, this study shed light on the status and potential improvements in the inclusion of intercultural activities in Italian music education institutions, according to the provisions established by the national legislator.



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Giovanna Carugno is an Italian musicologist and music educator.
After graduating in Piano and Harpsichord Performance, she earned a M.A. in Early Music, a M.A. in Fortepiano and a M.A. in Chamber Music from the Conservatories of Frosinone and Latina.
She specialized in Music Education (University of Padua), in Music Therapy (Roma Tre University), and in Methodology of Research in Music Education (Accademia Filarmonica, Bologna). She also obtained a Ph.D. from the Department of Political Science at the University of Campania. She currently serves as a Professor of Music History Pedagogy at the Conservatory “Agostino Steffani” in Castelfranco Veneto.