No abstract

This article reports findings from a qualitative study of adults’ perceptions and experiences of learning musical instruments. Conducted in the south-east United States, 15 adults who were learning instruments were recruited via community music groups and private instrumental teachers. Analysis of transcripts of semi-structured interviews identified adults’ prior experiences in music, their motivations to learn instruments and learning goals, learning strategies they employ, the benefits that they attribute to their engagement in musical activities, and challenges faced. Findings inform instructors of instrumental music about why adults choose to learn instruments, their perspectives of learning and teaching, as well as the strategies that they use to engage in learning. Findings demonstrate the ways in which principles from the field of adult education might inform the continuing education of adult music learners.

Adult piano students (N = 711) from 24 states across the U.S. rated the existence and importance of 31 potential benefits of adult piano study. Benefits selected from existing adult music and leisure-benefit research were organized into three categories: Personal, Skill, and Social/Cultural. The category of Skill Benefits was the most-agreed-upon and highest-rated category. Personal Benefits were also rated highly, particularly benefits related to Self-Actualization and Fun/Enjoyment. Social/Cul tural Benefits were the least-agreed-upon and rated as the least important benefits. The most-ag-reed-upon benefits were Skill Improvement, Musical Knowledge, Musicianship, Accomplishment, Skill Refinement, Technique, and Play/Fun. The highest-rated benefits, in order of importance, were Dream Fulfilled, Technique, Accomplishment, Escape from Routine, Skill Improvement, Musicianship, Musical Knowledge, Play/Fun, Skill Refinement, and Personal Growth. Findings suggest that students are interested in technical improvement, but they also place high value on the enjoyment and self grozuth that piano study provides.

New Horizons Band Members (N = 1,823) from 28 U.S. States and Canada rated the existence and importance of 42 potential benefits of the New Horizons experience. Benefits were organized into four categories: Healthy Personal, Skill, and Social/Cultural. Of these categories, Skill-related benefits were most frequently identified by band members as components of their experiences, followed by Social/Cultural, Personal, and Health benefits, respectively. On ratings of importance, these categories were ranked in the same order. The individual benefits found to have the highest percentages of existence were Accomplishment, Play/Fun, New Friends, Skill Refinement, and Challenge. The individual benefits with the highest ratings of importance were Play/Fun, Accomplishment, Technique, and Challenge. Social/Cultural benefits were rated much higher than a similar study of adult piano students. Findings suggest that while participants are interested in musical improvement, they also place a high value on Personal and Social benefits provided by the experience.