Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Music

Supervisor

Dr. Kevin Watson

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Marta Dyczok

Abstract

This research presents an overview of how higher instrumental music education evolved and responded to cultural, social, historical, and institutional intentions in Azerbaijan during 1920-2022. It explores how locally, and globally different sociopolitical and musical trajectories shaped the development of higher instrumental music education in this country. As a result, it inspires a re-evaluation of the nature of this subject from several perspectives and approaches. Chronologically, the pre-Soviet, Soviet, and post-Soviet contexts are reviewed to determine how changes in musical practices affected creativity and formed its educational tendencies in Azerbaijan. Furthermore, musical languages, traditional musical culture, and aspects of local and global socio-political events have all contributed to the development of this region's musical and educational landscape.

It also demonstrates how an emerging culturally diverse approach to music education research may widen and deepen our comprehension of foreign educational systems, while eliminating commonly held assumptions, with regard to the nature of transformation and its effects on music education based on our own educational experiences. A conceptual map of multicultural music education, as well as an overview of the history of culturally diverse learning environments, study techniques, and methods, may prove significant when conducting subsequent music education research. In addition, this research has the potential to provide performers and educators with significant insights into the evolving practices of Azerbaijani higher instrumental music education, enabling more flexibility in innovation and interpretation.

Summary for Lay Audience

This study provides an overview of developments of instrumental higher music education in Azerbaijan 1920 - 2020. The historical, cultural, and sociopolitical insights were looked at from the subjective and objective perspectives. The study creates a picture that can determine the nuances of the formation of higher music education in the country. The fall of the Soviet regime, globalization, multiculturalism, and cultural diversity played key roles in shaping the curriculum and also shaping the musical identity of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan. This study has also shown that cross-cultural forms can co-exist and can even create new innovative cultural arts such as Fusions of the culturally diverse musics. Fusion of different cultures through music is not only creative but also an innovative approach that could bring music students and educators to new ways of music making experiences through which they can explore new opportunities and free themselves from standardized and established forms of educational practices.

Available for download on Wednesday, July 08, 2026

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