Rockstar teaching: Blended informal music learning in an elementary ukulele club

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to examine the phenomenon of informal music learning in an elementary school ukulele club. Research questions were: (1) How does a master teacher use informal music learning in an elementary ukulele club? (2) What teacher behaviours and characteristics facilitate informal music learning in an elementary ukulele club? Participants in the study were 60 students in an elementary ukulele club and their music teacher. Data were analysed using a priori themes from Lucy Green’s five components of informal music learning. The researchers found that elementary students were free to develop leadership, ownership and fearless musicianship because a master teacher utilized blended learning approaches. The teacher created an environment that encouraged musical noodling, and while the room was often loud, the space gave students the ability to play and learn while the teacher had opportunities to coach and facilitate musical skill development.