Political Life and Public Pedagogy in the Higher Music Education: Focus Group Interviews in Nordic Countries 2024

The study consists of interviews with personnel from Nordic higher music institutions. The interviews explore perceptions of public pedagogy, societal engagement, and the relationship between politics and higher music education. The interviews began by asking participants what public pedagogy means to them and whether they have engaged in activities that, in their view, could be interpreted as public pedagogy in their teaching or artistic work. Next, the discussion focused on whether public spaces are used for learning and teaching within their institution or department, and if so, in what ways. Finally, participants were asked what kind of changes the idea of public pedagogy could bring to their teaching or institution. Next, the interviewees were asked about their views on politics and political participation. They were asked how they view the role of societal and political thinking, action, and participation in higher music education, and how this appears in their own institution or teaching. In addition, the interviews explored how political identity might be reflected in the activities of the institution, its teachers, and leadership. Background information includes coarsened job title and the country in which the interviewee's institution is located.