Reflections and Ways to Improve Musical and Patriotic Education under new Military-Political Conditions: Neuropedagogical Strategies

Abstract

This article is the first in international discourse to explore the evolving role of Ukrainian music education in new military and political conditions. It aims to examine global trends in music education for youth and describe the unique context in Ukraine. The article proposes a neuropedagogical model of musical and patriotic education, incorporating elements of music therapy, along with general methodical recommendations. As researchers and ethnic Ukrainians, the authors can observe the growing neurosocial distinctiveness of Ukrainian identity. This identity is reflected in non-verbal, authentic narratives such as music, dance, and cultural symbols. While these expressions are largely suggestive and reflective, they contribute to a broader, holistic perception. The authors have attempted to apply this perception to the sensitive field of music education, especially given its current emotionally charged and patriotically heightened state. Research methods rely on descriptive, reflective, analytical-synthetic, and modelling approaches (both pedagogical and neuroscientific), which have led to several key findings. The first is the confirmation of absolute heteromorphism in the values and goals of patriotic education across different geopolitical regions. The authors also emphasise the special significance of such education in areas experiencing national uncertainty or military-political conflict. Additionally, the authors used a personal-professional anxiety scale for music teachers. The article shows that educational environments in Ukraine are open and highly sensitive. Their participants also display a strong tendency towards reflection. On this basis, the authors of the article have developed two models: a relatively closed, multi-vector model of musical and patriotic education and an open neuropedagogical model intended for use in the current military-political context.