Current Practices in Undergraduate Instrumental Techniques Instruction: A National Survey of NASM-Accredited Institutions

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the status of instrumental techniques courses at National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)-accredited higher education institutions in the United States. One hundred fifty-one (N = 151) brass, woodwind, percussion, and string techniques instructors responded to a researcher-designed Qualtrics survey that collected information regarding (a) course format and structure, (b) course content, (c) instruction and assessment methods, (d) institutional characteristics, and (e) instructor demographics. Results indicated most courses are offered yearly for two to three credits for two hours per week in a like-instrument format. Instructors mostly prioritized performance-based skills and topics in their teaching and assessment, with method books as the most common supplement to instruction. Participants were mostly full-time music education faculty at R1 and R2 designated institutions with 6 to 10 years of PK–12 instrumental teaching experience on average.

Keywords

music teacher preparation preservice teachers teaching techniques undergraduate curriculum

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