Teachers' Perspectives on teaching the Primary School Music  Curriculum: Experiences and Methodologies

Horgan, Mary

Publication

Teachers' Perspectives on teaching the Primary School Music Curriculum: Experiences and Methodologies

Horgan, Mary

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ previous experiences in musical education and its impact on their competence and confidence to provide valuable music experiences. Despite the limitations of this mixed methods study, the questionnaires (n=30) and semi-structured interviews (n=2) uncovered and explored teachers’ perceptions on both existing and potential methodologies for the teaching of music at primary level. Examination of the findings confirmed that while teachers valued the benefits of musical education, there was a strong correlation between their previous musical experience and their levels of confidence and self-efficacy in delivering the Primary School Music Curriculum, particularly in the teaching of a musical instrument.