Donald L. Hamann

Career Choice among String Music Education Students in American Colleges and Universities.

The objective of this study was to identify teacher strategies for attracting school orchestra students to string teaching. Full-time string music education professors at 17 universities surveyed their music education students who were principally string players. Students were asked to describe their background, reasons for choosing teaching, and recommendations of approaches for teachers to use to interest students in string teaching. Results of the 153 completed surveys revealed that the majority of string music education students are female undergraduates who previously participated in school orchestras. Students chose string education because they liked teaching, music, children, playing their instrument, and being a role model for children. To attract others to teaching, respondents suggested that teachers be teaching role models for their students by showing their love for music and teaching, relating positively to students, giving special teaching opportunities and support to students interested in teaching, discussing the rewards of string teaching, and challenging students musically.

An Investigation of Burnout Assessment and Potential Job Related Variables among Public School Music Educators

The purpose of this study was to investigate burnout symptoms among public school music educators (N = 101) using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and to determine potential demographic and job related factors that may be associated with burnout using the Demographic and Data Sheet (DDS) questionnaire. Based on multiple regression analyses it was found that the DDS variables; work load and time to complete the work, desire to change professional careers, contentment with job, unclear goals from administration, and lack of personnel goals in career plans, lack of recognition by students, and lack of cooperation among teachers in the district outside the area of music, significantly contributed to the variance in the regression models and were determined to be reliable predictors of burnout as measured by the MBI.

Students' Perceptions of University Method Class Preparation for Teaching across Music Disciplines.

The purpose of this study was to determine if participants believed that participation in music education methods courses would provide adequate training to address concerns they had about teaching either within or outside their area of familiarity. One hundred fifty-nine music majors enrolled in music methods courses during the 2005-2006 academic year served as participants. Using a free response, open-ended questionnaire, participants were asked to assess their concerns about teaching in a musical area within and outside their familiar music expertise. The authors found that participants had thought about and could express concerns about teaching within and outside their area of familiarity, were confident their training in college music education methods courses could provide them the skills needed to be effective teachers, and believed that these courses would provide ample knowledge and experience to alleviate their concerns at this point in their careers. Implications for music education are discussed.

An Investigation of New String Programs Established in American Schools between 1999 and 2009

The purposes of this study were to identify string programs created between 1999 and 2009, compile a profile of those programs, and identify resources and strategies that were used to create them that may serve as a model for establishing future new programs. One hundred-fifty string programs were identified from 33 different states. A survey form to gather data about the programs was created and administered to 132 of the programs. Eighty-two completed the survey for a response rate of 62%. The survey asked questions about the history of the program, its current status, and projected future status. Data revealed that most programs began after one or less than one year of discussion, most often first suggested by local music teachers or superintendent. Those factors considered critical to successful establishment of the program included parent support, administrative support, competent string teaching, and funding. Respondents were willing to found additional programs. They suggested that a how-to manual and outside grant funding would help establish future new programs.

University Music Educators' Effectiveness as Determined By Public School Music Teachers

Donald L. Hamann is associate professor of music education and Joy E. Lawrence is professor emeritus of music education at the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, Kent State University, Kent, OH 442420001. The role and mission of the university education faculty member has often been perceived as primarily that of teacher training. University education faculty members are expected to maintain and further develop skills and expertise needed to teach and provide information that will help students become compe-

The Effects of Stretching Exercises During Rehearsals on String Students’ Self-Reported Perceptions of Discomfort

Musicians have recognized that physical problems often accompany playing, yet examinations of performance-related injuries and medical problems remain relatively new. The type of instrument played can affect musicians’ pain-related problems as well as physical stature. The focus of this study was to determine whether physical intervention—easily performed stretches of a brief duration—administered during rehearsals at approximately 10-minute intervals would affect orchestra students’ perceptions of physical discomfort. Results of analyses focused on gender and grade revealed no significant differences, although the independent variable of instrument showed a significant difference in scores before and after rehearsal. Treatment group participants’ levels of discomfort decreased in contrast to control group participants’ scores, which increased. Music educators play an important role in being proactive about preventative and rehabilitative measures. Based on this research, it is recommended that stretches be completed periodically while playing to reduce discomfort associated with performance practice.

Music Classroom Teachers' Perceptions of Substitute Teachers' Ability and Experience: A Study

Recent attention has been devoted to fortifying classroom instruction, to intensifying the rigors of teacher preparation, and to testing preservice educators to ensure they have basic competencies. Yet one area that remains virtually ignored is that of substitute teaching. While little attention has been devoted to preparing, hiring, and effectively integrating substitute teachers into the classroom, these are important issues because of the time students spend in the care of substitute teachers.

Factors Influencing Secondary String Students’ String Teaching Career Choices

The purpose of this research was to investigate factors influencing the decisions of high school string students planning to major in music teaching in college. High school string students (N = 246) from 14 schools in Utah, Nevada, and Idaho indicated their interest in pursuing a music teaching major and rated 15 factors believed to contribute to teaching interest. Data were evaluated using a multiple regression analysis. The dependent variable was Teaching Interest. The independent variables were the 15 interest factors. Three variables (conducting, teachers’ contracts of 9-10 months without summer teaching, and teachers’ pay) accounted for approximately 23 percent of the variance contributing to students’ interest in a teaching major. The process of conducting, a teachers contract, and surprisingly teacher pay contribute positively to students’ decisions to major in string teaching. Perhaps more emphasis should be placed on these 3 variables when recruiting students to the field of string teaching.