The Implementation of Capstone Project among Undergraduate Music Students

Abstract

A capstone is the scholarly experience at the end of a student's studies which can be in variety of forms or projects, such as a final product, presentation or performance. In the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Sultan Idris Education University, every diploma and undergraduate students undergo the capstone project in their final year. This research looked into the Bachelor of Education (Music) undergraduate programme, which focused on the 'Final Performance Project' course. Although the programme emphasizes on producing quality teachers, the capstone project also assist students' transition to employment other than teaching in schools. The research questions focused on the strength and challenges; how it develops holistic individuals and ways to improve the project. This research used the survey method to collect information from the former and final year music students of Faculty of Music and Performing Arts. The result showed that the music capstone project has proved to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership and team work although there were challenges faced by the students in the project. It is recommended that the implementation of capstone project to be carried out in other fields to prepare students before transiting into the industry world context.

Were you rushing or were you dragging? Perceived support, music-specific stress, and internalizing symptoms in university-level music students

“…Unfortunately, past research suggests that music students (often referred to as music majors in the United States) experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress compared with students in other disciplines (Demirbatir et al, 2012). Although key figures in music departments (i.e., lesson teachers, ensemble directors and music major peers) can be sources of stress, these figures can also be important sources of support.…”