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Choosing to study music: student attitudes towards the subject of music in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2019

Carrie McCarthy ,
Joanne O’Flaherty  and
Jean Downey
Carrie McCarthy*
Affiliation:
St. Leo’s College, Dublin Road, Carlow, Ireland
Joanne O’Flaherty*
Affiliation:
School of Education, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, V94DK18, Ireland
Jean Downey*
Affiliation:
Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, V94DK18, Ireland
*
Corresponding author. Emails: carriemccarthy90@gmail.com; joanne.oflaherty@ul.ie; jean.downey@ul.ie
Corresponding author. Emails: carriemccarthy90@gmail.com; joanne.oflaherty@ul.ie; jean.downey@ul.ie
Corresponding author. Emails: carriemccarthy90@gmail.com; joanne.oflaherty@ul.ie; jean.downey@ul.ie
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Abstract

The present study aimed to identify student (16–18 years) attitudes towards the subject of music in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland. The study, framed by an interpretivist approach, employed qualitative data collection methods through interviews and focus groups. Findings indicate that student attitudes to music were influenced by the following factors: their innate interest in the subject, which was strengthened by an existing musical skill or talent, and the perceived use of the subject as a pathway for entry to further/higher education or for a student’s professional career. The findings also suggested that the music curriculum and the teaching style of the music teacher impacted student attitudes as did the appeal of the practical element of the subject, particularly with regard to the practical assessment component. Some interpretations of these findings are explored.

Type
Articles
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 36 , Issue 2 , July 2019 , pp. 139 - 153
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2019 

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