Preparing Rural Music Teachers: Reflecting on “Shared Visions”

This article provides a view of rural music teacher preparation through the lens of critical social theory, drawing from literature about rural schools and social class, and the author’s experience as a rural student, teacher, and music teacher educator. It brings to light patterns of privilege and oppression within current ideals, standards, and practices, particularly as they might relate to “shared visions” in music education and/or music teacher education. The overall aim, nonetheless, is practical—identifying specific problems in preparing rural music teachers and suggesting a range of possible solutions.