Theory as the “North Star”: An Introduction to Race Theories for Music Education

To date, multiple U.S. states have passed legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) and limiting teaching related to race, gender, CRT, and privilege under the umbrella term “divisive concepts.” Against this backdrop, I argue that while CRT is not taught in schools, as a theory, it provides a crucial analytical and pedagogical tool to music teachers who often grapple with racially charged situations in the classroom. I introduce tenets of CRT and antiracism and make an argument for the use of these theories to orient pedagogy.