Attitudes and Perspectives of Teacher Performers on Pedagogy and Perceived Student Learning in the Elementary and Secondary School Music Classroom

Authors

  • John L. Vitale Nipissing University

Abstract

This study investigated the lives of three active music teacher performers and how their performing experience impacted pedagogy and perceived student learning in the classroom. At the time of data collection, one participant was a full-time elementary school music teacher, and the other two participants were full-time secondary school music teachers. Philosophically, this study intended to discover the central meaning underlying the life experiences of each participant as they relate to pedagogy and perceived student learning (phenomenology). Methodologically, qualitative data (typical of phenomenological inquiry) were collected through both interviews and a focus group session. Furthermore, a traditional thematic exploration of the data was employed. Findings indicate that pedagogy and perceived student learning are positively impacted through the theme of respect and negatively impacted through the themes of fatigue and job dissatisfaction. Such themes invite all educators within the performing arts to reexamine and reflect upon the intricate relationship between performing and teaching.

Author Biography

John L. Vitale, Nipissing University

Dr. John L. Vitale is currently an Associate Professor in the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University (Brantford Campus), where he teaches Music Education and Curriculum Methods at the undergraduate level, and Research Methods at the graduate level. Dr. Vitale has numerous publications to his credit in the field of music education, and he has also  presented his research at a number of international conferences. As a professional bass player, Dr. Vitale has performed at over 1,000 national and international venues with four different Juno Award winning artists. Dr. Vitale also has numerous compositional credits, including the score to award-winning children's animated film Attic-in-the-Blue (first place winner at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival).

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Published

2015-02-16

How to Cite

Vitale, J. L. (2015). Attitudes and Perspectives of Teacher Performers on Pedagogy and Perceived Student Learning in the Elementary and Secondary School Music Classroom. Canadian Journal of Education/Revue Canadienne De l’éducation, 38(1), 1–27. Retrieved from https://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/1764

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Articles