As people are living longer and enjoying better quality of life, there has been a corresponding increase in interest in recreational music-making by adults. This study examined the demographics and motivations of students enrolled in the Community Piano Experience hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music. Twenty-six participants completed Survey A before beginning the program, while 20 participants completed Survey B at the culmination of their instruction. Interpretation of both surveys demonstrated that these adult piano students were clear about their goals (anticipated rewards) from the outset of piano study. While unsure about the appropriateness of the group instructional environment at the outset of study, the participants were overwhelmingly positive in their assessment of the group environment by the end of the program. Participants were specific regarding what qualities they were seeking in a piano instructor, with certain qualities such as patience, positive demeanor and knowledge/passion for music frequently cited in both surveys.
IntroductionAs human longevity has increased, there has been a widespread societal change in perception regarding the retirement years. The notion that learning can continue over a lifetime has resulted in increased interest in adult education, reflected in larger numbers of nontraditional students enrolled in colleges and universities, and rising popularity in the USA of educational programs targeted toward adults, such as Elderhostel programs, continuing education programs at community colleges, community centers, parks and recreation departments and similar organizations. A 1998 report from the US Department of Education showed that 40% of American adults were participating in some type of adult education service, representing a 32% increase from a similar study conducted in 1991.While music therapy has been an accepted aid in recovery from disease or trauma for many years, widespread interest in recreational music-making for adult learners is a more recent development. The number of adults who are actively participating in music study has steadily been on the rise over the past 30 years. A survey done by the National Research Center of the Arts (NRCA) in 1975 and repeated in 1980 showed