Is music on the wane? A small mixed methods study exploring musical learning in the school reception class in the East of England

Abstract

This small-scale mixed methods study sought to explore the nature of the musical learning in the Reception year. Research data from the questionnaires (n = 39) provide some evidence that little has changed over the last two decades in some aspects of the music provision for children aged 4 and 5 years. However, interviews with eight Reception teachers revealed some unexpected findings on account of some contemporary barriers. Qualitative data suggest that children’s entitlement to develop their innate musicality within the Foundation stage curriculum may be at risk, as some teachers find the challenges of ‘fitting it all’ is difficult to accomplish.

The Paris Conference on Education 2023: Official Conference Proceedings

“…Teachers' confidence is associated with selfefficacy and can indicate whether the preschool teacher is convenient for their musical abilities. Self-efficacy as an essential factor for using different types of musical activities in working with children is also highlighted in several studies (Digby, 2020;Pestana, 2022;Ehrlin & Wallerstedt, 2014). Preschool teachers who play a musical instrument can be more self-efficient (Burak, 2019), which leads to a more effective musical lesson (Sökezoğlu Atilgan & Türkkaş Özer, 2021).…”

“…Working preschool teachers who lack confidence in integrating different types of musical activities into their daily work should participate in professional development events. Researchers believe that participation in professional development events is necessary to promote positive perceptions of self-identity and self-efficacy (Digby, 2020), to discover new teaching tools and strategies that maintain effective music teaching in preschool (Augustine et al, 2016), to learn playing musical instruments (Ersoy & Der e, 2012). Preschool teachers who may not have the confidence to integrate music into the educational work with children could be supported by a mentor (Bainger, 2010;: Welch, 2021.…”