Important Others

Abstract

The music education profession needs the best and brightest students with potential to be excellent music educators to choose music education as a profession. Past research has identified several influences in the career choice of music educators, including important others in students’ lives. In particular, high school music teachers appear to influence the career choices of students who choose to major in music education. The present study surveyed a purposeful sample of high school music teachers to help illuminate these important others’ beliefs and actions on students’ music education career choices. Students’ love of music and their in-school experiences were perceived to highly influence career choice; direct encouragement and identifying students with a love and passion for music were frequently identified strategies. Through increased understanding of the career choice process, music teacher educators can work most effectively with K–12 teachers in music teacher recruitment efforts.

Encouraging Students to Consider Music Education as a Future Profession

“…Previous research has shown that the music teacher is one of the most critical figures in guiding a student toward the profession (Bergee et al, 2001; Fredrickson & Burton, 2005; Gillespie & Hamann, 1999; Madsen & Kelly, 2002; Rickels et al, 2010; Rickels et al, 2013; Thornton, 2013, 2014; Thornton & Bergee, 2008). It was encouraging, therefore, that students in programs taught by over half of the respondents in this study were provided with opportunities that helped them explore the music education profession as a viable career option.…”

“…Providing teaching opportunities and demonstrating job satisfaction were suggested as strategies for recruiting future music teachers. Thornton (2013Thornton ( , 2014) studied a purposive sample of high school music teachers to illuminate the beliefs and actions of "important others" on student choice of a career in music education. Thornton found that music skills were highly valued by both in-service music teachers and their students as an indicator of potential success in the music teaching profession.…”

A Comparative Analysis of Influences on Choosing a Music Teaching Occupation

“…Extant research has long recognized the influential role that music teachers play in students’ decisions to pursue music education as a field of study and future profession (Bergee, 1992; Bergee et al, 2001; Bright, 2006; Davis, 1990; Fredrickson & Burton, 2005; Gillespie & Hamann, 1999; Hamann & Cutietta, 1996; Hellman, 2008; Isbell, 2008; Kantorski, 2004; Madsen & Kelly, 2002; Rickels et al, 2010, 2013; Thornton & Bergee, 2008; White, 1967; Wilcox, 2000). Recent investigations by Austin, Isbell, and Russell (2012); Draves (2012); Taylor and Hallam (2011); and Thornton (2015) add to this body of research, further underscoring the positive impact that music teachers have on their students’ career decisions.…”

“…In-service music educators also named teachers among those individuals and/or experiences inspiring a career in music. Elementary and secondary music educators surveyed by Thornton (2015) believed teachers were “moderate” to “significant” influences on their students’ decision to pursue a career in music education, more so than other named individuals (Thornton, 2015, p. 101). Even those offering studio instruction as a second career recalled positive interactions with or reported support or encouragement from former and current musical mentors (Taylor & Hallam, 2011).…”

“…Musical experiences may also prove impactful. Recent studies cite membership in school or community ensembles and participation in related musical activities, including private lessons and music camps, as powerful influences on career choice (Austin et al, 2012; Draves, 2012; Henry, 2015; Taylor & Hallam, 2011; Thornton, 2015). The extent to which peer teaching and leadership opportunities in music impact the decision to pursue a degree or career in music may be less definitive, perhaps a reflection of the limited opportunities available to research participants.…”