Perceived effects of the Master of Music in music education on P-12 teaching practice

Colleen Conway, John Eros, Anne Marie Stanley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher perceptions (N = 9) of the effect of the Master of Music (MM) in Music Education degree on teaching practice and student (P-12) achievement. Research questions included: (1) How do graduates discuss the connections between their teaching practices and their coursework? (2) What changes in P-12 musical achievement do they perceive may be effects of graduate education? Data sources included: an online survey, participant journals, and individual interviews. All data sets were reviewed and coded for common themes. Findings suggest that participants discussed music performance, connecting research with practice, and a 're-interaction' with undergraduate content as they drew connections between their MM studies and teaching practice. Participants did believe there was a relationship between the graduate degree and student achievement; however, they were unable to pinpoint a direct link. We also discuss: (1) the thesis or exam as a powerful connection between coursework and teaching practice; (2) the value of the community of learners in a MM program; and (3) questions regarding the development of an identity as a teacher/scholar.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-141
Number of pages13
JournalResearch Studies in Music Education
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Education
  • Music

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