Students' Perceptions of University Method Class Preparation for Teaching Across Music Disciplines

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if participants believed that participation in music education methods courses would provide adequate training to address concerns they had about teaching either within or outside their area of familiarity. One hundred fifty-nine music majors enrolled in music methods courses during the 2005-2006 academic year served as participants. Using a free response, open-ended questionnaire, participants were asked to assess their concerns about teaching in a musical area within and outside their familiar music expertise. The authors found that participants had thought about and could express concerns about teaching within and outside their area of familiarity, were confident their training in college music education methods courses could provide them the skills needed to be effective teachers, and believed that these courses would provide ample knowledge and experience to alleviate their concerns at this point in their careers. Implications for music education are discussed.