Learning the piano: a study of attitudes to parental involvement

Abstract

Numerous studies in general education have concluded that parental involvement improves student achievement. Research in music education indicates that parental involvement is beneficial to progress on a musical instrument. However, few music teachers are known to actively encourage it. This paper reports on a detailed qualitative survey that examines teachers', pupils' and parents' attitudes to parental involvement, the extent and nature of that involvement, and pupils' resultant enjoyment and achievement.

The survey found that, while pupils and parents alike welcome parental involvement, some teachers encourage this collaboration and some do not. Teachers who (a) have pedagogical qualifications, (b) have followed specialist courses, and (c) are experienced, prove more likely to encourage parental involvement.