Article of Interest
Perceptions of Instrumental Music Teachers Regarding the Development of Effective Rehearsal Techniques
Published in No. 181, Summer 2009
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of two third-year instrumental music teachers concerning their early career development of successful rehearsal techniques. Participants were observed over the course of three days in their classroom environment and posed questions based upon the rehearsal techniques they incorporated into their instruction. Triangulation was achieved through interviews of both participants regarding the same subject matter, as well as interviews with the instrumental music teachers that work alongside the participants on a daily basis (in-house colleagues).
Both participants credited their in-house colleague and reflection-on-action as the two most influential elements found within their teaching setting. Through those influences, the participants cited their development in regard to planning, pacing, repertoire selection, and classroom management. Regarding influential factors pursued outside of their teaching responsibilities, both participants identified their community colleagues as well as the act of recording of their own rehearsals as most beneficial to their development.
The results of this study reinforce the need for early teaching experiences in combination with the acquisition of teaching techniques in pre-service music education methods courses. Experiences in pre-service instruction that facilitate reflection-on-action may also benefit early career music educators in their rehearsal technique development.
