Instructors' perspectives on teaching music online after the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative analysis in Indonesia

Abstract

The current study analyzes the practices and strategies used by university instructors in Indonesia to deliver online music classes after the COVID-19 lockdown. Using a qualitative method based on semi-structured interviews, perspectives from music professors were gathered to explore various aspects, including the support provided by universities, teaching practices adopted by instructors, students’ reactions, limitations, and advantages of online music learning. The data were analyzed with an inductive method based on grounded theory. Participants highlighted several strategies utilized during online learning, such as (a) the use of video recordings to focus on specific aspects of music performance; (b) the implementation of project-based assessments to address various learning outcomes in different classes; and (c) the development of teamwork for sharing the best teaching practices. Teachers reported being more responsive to the students, placing a greater emphasis on self-reflection and becoming more effective educators. While recognizing several limitations associated with online music learning, the participants believe that this will be the teaching approach of the future, attributing it to improvements in students' independence and self-assessment skills, teachers' self-reflexivity, and enhanced flexibility in scheduling. Implications for institutions and university professors regarding the development of policies and curricula for online music education are also discussed.