Exploring the Role of the Music Teacher from the Perspectives of Parents and Teachers in West Malaysia

Abstract

It is important for music teachers to reflect on the influence of their role during lessons. However, the roles of teachers, and expectations from both teachers and parents are often unclear, resulting in role confusion on both sides. The purpose of this collective case study is to describe and understand the expectations of both parents and teachers of the teacher's role in group music lessons for pre-school children in the Klang Valley 1 of West Malaysia. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten parents and three teachers of three group music classes for pre-school children. This study situates role theory as a conceptual framework to explore the perspectives of parents and teachers on the expected roles of teachers in group music lessons. Five broad categories of themes emerged, namely parentteacher perspectives on teachers' roles as multi-faceted professionals, authorities on music, entrepreneurs, mentors and communicators. A novel finding showed that teachers in West Malaysia play the role of entrepreneurs. Teachers are expected to be customer service providers, even babysitters, and are also expected to be generous with their time, which influences their entrepreneurship. The paper argues that role theory is a helpful tool in order to help teachers to understand how their roles play out in West Malaysia and how an understanding of their roles can help teachers to clarify the many expectations placed on them.

Teachers’ Understanding on Music for Early Childhood

“…The knowledge and attitude of early childhood teachers towards music have an important role in education. The findings related to the influence of the role theory on music learning for pre-schoolers in Malaysia [31]. These findings bridge the expectations of parents and teachers about teachers' role in music learning for early childhood.…”

“…These findings recommend further professional development to support teachers which will have implications on improving learning outcomes. There is a correlation between teachers' attitude and emotional leadership on the effectiveness of teaching in early childhood [31]. The knowledge and attitude of early childhood teachers towards music have an important role in education.…”

Educational Partnerships towards Long-Term Music Education Projects in Thailand

“…Without the support from the parents, direct support from the music teacher may be insufficient for long-term music projects. Parents expected music teachers to be friendly and provide sound advice for the students in developing their musical pathways (Ang, Panebianco & Odendaal, 2019). This study showed similar preferences on the roles of parents and music teachers to support long-term music education project.…”

Enhancing Piano Proficiency: Influential Factors for Success in the Pianism and Worldwide Projection Program at the National University of Costa Rica

“…Students noted that self-regulation strategies used were beneficial to successfully perform at recitals, maintaining focus and concentration. Páginas/ Pages 125-152 Ávila Hernández, Emmanuel; Some pedagogical implications for piano instruction point to the need for teachers to reflect on their role during lessons (Ang, Panebianco & Odendaal, 2019). Studies support the idea that to enhance proficiency the teacher should set clear and strategic goals.…”

“…In the words of Neuhaus (1973), "the fullest possible understanding between teacher and pupils is one of the most important conditions for fruitful teaching" (p.170). Studies conducted in educational settings support that positive relationships between teachers and students tend to create a conducive learning environment that favors students' performance, attitude, motivation, and achievements (Wubbels & Brekelmans, 2012;Ang, Panebianco & Odendaal, 2019;Yescas-Chávez & Chong, 2020;Chmurzynska, 2012).…”