Congratulations to Professor Bernard W. Andrews, named one of three winners of the 2021 Beckwith Award. This Canadian Music Centre Ontario award honours outstanding contributions to music-making in Ontario. Andrews is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa and editor of the recent publications Perspectives on arts education research in Canada, Volumes 1 and 2.
“My music education journey has taken me through the roles of professional musician, music teacher, department head, and teacher educator to now that of an arts education researcher. As a consequence of the variety of experiences in schools, universities, and the community, and through international travel to research conferences, my philosophy of music education has shifted significantly from a Western-European perspective to embrace a much broader view encompassing a world music perspective," says Andrews. "I have come to understand the music of non-Western cultures and to value its complex tonalities, rhythms, and harmonies. Moreover, I now realize the importance of music for all children everywhere, not just those talented in Western European art forms. Consequently, my professional efforts and energies are focused on a broad interpretation of music education that promotes a multicultural worldview.”
“My professional efforts and energies are focused on a broad interpretation of music education that promotes a multicultural worldview.”
Professor Bernard Andrews
— Faculty of Education
About the Beckwith 2021 Award
“The process of making and sharing music connects so many communities, and CMC Ontario is inspired by the work of the 2021 award winners who embrace this role in their work. These individuals and organizations explore new models for career development among artists, unique approaches to learning and self-expression, and programs that invite in a variety of audiences.
The Beckwith Award is named for composer John Beckwith—who just celebrated his 94th birthday. Beckwith is one of the founding members of the Canadian Music Centre, an ardent supporter of the organization, and a champion of contemporary Canadian music. We feel the enthusiasm that Beckwith shares with the CMC is reflected in the incredible work of the 2021 winners.”