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Students' assessments of music learning experiences from kindergarten to university

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2008

Heikki Ruismäki
Affiliation:
University of Helsinki, Finlandheikki.ruismaki@helsinki.fi
Tarja Tereska
Affiliation:
University of Helsinki, Finlandheikki.ruismaki@helsinki.fi

Abstract

This article reports on a retrospective study of Finnish pre-service elementary teachers' assessments of their musical experiences in nursery school and elementary and secondary school and real-time study of their experiences in teacher training. The participants (N = 590) had received musical instruction in five age groups (4–6 years, 7–12 years, 13–15 years, 16–19 years, 20–25 years). The assessments were most positive in the 4–6 years group and thereafter declined until puberty in the 13–15 years group. A change in a positive direction was perceived in the 16–19 years group and also in the 20–25 years group (during teacher training). Gender differences were statistically significant except during upper secondary school. The most enjoyable activities in formal music education were singing and playing; music theory was experienced most negatively.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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