The Dome Piece

“Individuals are necessarily products of the cultural surround in which they exist, according to this viewpoint. We must build societies that not only avoid the dangers of inhumane beliefs and policies, but instead build conditions for their opposite, for ideas and structures that cultivate equitable, beneficent interactions, and as a result, individuals who exemplify such values” (Reimer 2007, 194).

This quote stood out to me as I thought about the way my musical education was shaped by both Taiwanese and American influences. I always thought that there was a certain standard I had to meet, or a box I need to fit into in order to fit in and be recognized as a “real musician”. However I realized that it’s what I can create with others that results in the music we experience in the classroom. Music education should be a space where we build connections with people from all backgrounds. Achieving equity and empathy with one another should be highly valued so that we can build a community.

This philosophy inspired me to create my very first children’s illustrated book, “The Dome Piece”. When I took a graduate course named “Social Justice,” taught by Dr. Hickey, I got a glimpse of the importance of being aware of the differences between people, and being able to empathize and understand as an educator so I can promote meaningful action in the classroom. I designed the illustrated book with the intention of using it for a unit in general music as a tool to teach students about the connection between sounds and visuals, as well as the moral of recognizing that diversity and differences exist, but we should build one another up rather than shutting each other down. This book is also personal to me, as it is a story of my own experience of inequality as an outsider, but also of how I overcame my insecurities through finding community.

Click Here for the Story of “The Dome Piece”

Click Here for “The Dome Piece” K-2 Curriculum