Music Teacher Recruitment of Precollegiate and Marginalized Populations: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review was to gather and examine current research related to the recruitment of precollegiate students into traditional music teacher education programs in the United States. Research has shown that precollegiate students who pursue music education as a career are influenced by their secondary ensemble directors. Further analysis also indicated that there is a limited body of research on recruiting as it pertains to marginalized populations, especially on students of color, indicating a need for a more sustained effort to mitigate such barriers. Additionally, university-affiliated outreach programs have shown great promise in music teacher recruitment and should be replicated and expanded wherever possible. Implications for practice and for further research are provided.

Factors Impacting Elementary General Music Teachers’ Career Decisions: Systemic Issues of Student Race, Teacher Support, and Family

“…As such, we believe there is a clear need for music teacher educators to allow for more opportunities to teach in practicum settings or student teaching settings with students of diverse populations. Fortunately, efforts are underway to diversify the music teacher workforce, beginning with collegiate music education programs (Robison et al, 2020). Relatedly, important efforts to critically evaluate the audition procedures that determine music teacher education programs are also emerging.…”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Music Educators: A Multiple Case Study of High School Music Experiences and Career Choice

“…Music teacher recruitment is essential to the well-being of the music education profession. Recently, Robison et al (2020) published a review of literature identifying a substantial amount of research from recent decades that addressed the recruitment of precollegiate students. Furthermore, educational stakeholders have highlighted the urgency of attention to music teacher recruitment by publishing articles documenting music teacher shortages (e.g., Bergee & Demorest, 2003), strategic plans with music teacher recruitment and retention as a central tenet (see MENC, 2007), and other related policy initiatives.…”

“…There is a growing line of studies that have investigated precollegiate students as well (Bates, 1997; Brumbaugh, 2003; Councill, 2005; Henry, 2015; Miksza & Austin, 2010; Rickels et al, 2010, 2013; Robison et al, 2020). Some of these studies provide unique perspectives because they examine the effects of recruitment programs specifically designed for future music educators (Miksza & Austin, 2010) or summer camps that are outside the purview of traditional K–12 music programs (Kelly & Juchniewicz, 2009; Rickels et al, 2019).…”

Promoting Gender Inclusivity in General Music (part 2): Considerations for Using Technology

“…Teachers could consider making arrangements for students from technology classes to serve as guest teachers in their elementary music classroom. This can be an all-around beneficial arrangement for school-age learners and teachers: elementary students gain local role models, high school students get to have early teaching experiences (which are linked to matriculation into collegiate music education programs, see Robison et al, 2020), high school teachers can recruit for their programs, and both elementary and high school teachers gain collegial experiences. Elementary teachers near a college or technical school could consider inviting students from music technology courses or student teaching programs.…”