Self- Expressed Adult Music Education Interests and Music Experiences

Abstract

This study assessed self-expressed music education interests and described the music experiences of prospective participants in adult music education. Questionnaires were mailed to a sample of 800 music-performance attenders. Of the 275 people who returned questionnaires, 183 indicated positive responses toward participation and 92 indicated negative responses. Among adults who expressed interest in music participation, piano was the instrument most frequently chosen for private study, followed by voice and guitar. Choral organizations ranked highest among preferred performance organizations, and aural analysis and introductory music history courses ranked highest among preferred areas of academic study. Most of the previous formal experiences of prospective participants comprised private lessons and participation in performance organizations; a surprising amount of self-directed music experience and learning was reported. Results indicated several significant relationships between course preferences and prior experiences with similar music activities. Positive attitude toward participation was found to be significantly related both to current involvement and to early participation in classroom general music. Parents and home were the most frequently cited positive influences in developing music interests.