The teaching of music in primary schools by non-specialised teachers : guidelines for teachers of the early primary years

Abstract

Music is an area of teaching where many otherwise confident and competent teachers often express a reluctance to teach. The dissertation focused specifically on gathering and processing information about the musical perceptions and experiences of non-specialist teachers in different area primary schools. This was carried out by utilising a number of research tools, including a survey to extract detailed information about the specific musical interests of teachers. The main aim of this dissertation is to discuss the results obtained from the questionnaire devised relating to general music perceptions to teaching, and teachers' personal musical abilities. The information gathered suggested modifications to the current aims, content and methods which are currently used in primary school music teaching, presently undertaken by specialised peripatetic staff. Furthermore, it indicates the need for modifying the current syllabus and to improve the current programmes in schools. This analysis will convey current results in a longitudinal study that investigated the teachers' pre-disposition towards teaching music in their classrooms together with their personal musical capabilities. These results together with the relevant literature reviewed enlightened the researcher concerning teachers' motivations, preference, taste and interest in the musical context. This research assisted in clarifying and isolating what should be achieved in mainstream general music teaching in Primary Education. Sample Guidelines for Teachers including lesson plans to follow on the syllabus were formulated for the early primary years (Yr 1-3). An alternative view of a Non-Specialist Syllabus including ideas for implementation based on the research gathered was presented.