http://hdl.handle.net/2123/1163 Search the Channel search http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/2123/4002 Title: Music in the lives of Deaf students in an Australian school<br/><br/>Authors: Abotomey, Keva<br/><br/>Abstract: This qualitative case study explores the ways in which Deaf students involve themselves with music, in a variety of contexts and from multiple perspectives, including the students’ own perspective. A Sydney school offering a music programme for Deaf students was selected as the case and was investigated through a questionnaire, interviews, observations and document collection. The students were found to engage in music primarily through performing as part of the school music programme in the areas of sign singing, moving to music, playing instruments and vocalising. The students’ involvement with music in the home and community through informal musical activities was often as a result of similar experiences in their music classes, and enabled them to challenge the stereotypes held by their family members and the community. The students’ musical preferences revealed a predominantly visual and kinaesthetic understanding of music, and a focus on the repertoire taught through the school music programme. The students’ enjoyment of music was not necessarily determined by their level of hearing, but more often by their definition of listening. The results of this study suggest that music does have a place within Deaf culture. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:15:16 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3995 Title: Why choose music? A study in parental motivation toward formal music learning and the cultural beliefs regarding its benefits.<br/><br/>Authors: Paterson, Jessica<br/><br/>Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the motivations of parents when choosing to engage their children in formal music learning, whilst exploring the cultural beliefs regarding its benefits. The study was conducted in two phases, including questionnaire distribution and a case study, involving the analysis of both numerical and verbal data. The results present four themes that emerged throughout the data collection process. These include parental opinions regarding music and academic ability, being a good parent (including aspects of opportunity and parental musical experience), the importance of a child’s right to choose their own experiences, and the influence of a love of music. The results are indicative of a particular sample only, and there are numerous implications for future research. Results contribute to the growing literature regarding parental motivation toward formal music learning, and the importance of the role of the parent in a child’s musical experience. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:44:50 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3994 Title: "Just sitting there learning": Case studies in NSW secondary school music and musical participation<br/><br/>Authors: Bell, Madeleine<br/><br/>Abstract: This study explores the relationships between school musical culture, adolescent musical preference and music teaching strategies in secondary school, in order to determine the extent to which these are factors influencing students' decisions to continue their musical participation, both in and outside of school. Case studies of two New South Wales high schools were conducted. Participants were junior secondary music students and their teachers from each of the selected schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with students and teachers, and observations of music lessons and activities. The study explored the perspectives, opinions and attitudes of participants in the chosen research settings. Data were analysed through open and axial coding. It was established that the factors that provided the focus of this research project – school musical culture, musical preferences and music teaching strategies – have a significant impact on the ways in which students perceive music both in and outside of school. These perceptions then influence their decisions to continue musical participation. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of research and literature in this field and generate a number of avenues for future research. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:22:35 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3993 Title: Love it, love it not: Parental attitudes regarding children’s music learning in Kuala Lumpur<br/><br/>Authors: Leong, Kah Yan Grace<br/><br/>Abstract: This study aimed to investigate parental beliefs regarding children’s music learning in Kuala Lumpur. It examined the reasons behind parental support for private instrumental tuition, the effect of parental conceptions of ability, as well as the influences of their own involvement in music. The study utilised a mixed methods approach in data collection. Reasons behind parental support for private instrumental tuition include the desire to provide their children with a well-rounded education, enjoyment of playing a musical instrument and to nurture musical ability. These ‘motherly’ motives correlated significantly with those of a more competitive nature, such as providing music education as a means to maximise their children’s potential in every area and to provide their children with an extra skill when compared to peers. Parents were also inclined to provide music lessons for non-musical benefits such as using music lessons to occupy their children during non-examination periods, and also as a means of developing good temperament and self-discipline in children. Parents who were more involved in musical life tend to be more involved in their children’s music learning and tend to see high musical ability as the reason for providing musical training. Contrastingly, parents participating less in musical activities reported sending their children for music lessons because other parents are doing it and would be less involved in their children’s progress in music learning. Implications regarding the notion of well-rounded education, the effects of conceptions of ability and the advocacy work of music education are discussed. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:18:12 GMT