Undergraduate Music Majors’ Perceptions of Instrumental Conducting Curricula

Abstract

This study investigated undergraduate conductors’ perceptions of instrumental conducting curricula. Participants ( N = 173) completed an Internet-based survey consisting of questions about their perceived level of conducting and rehearsal preparedness and the extent to which instructional time was devoted to specific topics by their conducting teachers. Responses to these questions were rated using 5-point Likert-type scales. Participants also wrote responses to three open-ended questions addressing their confidence while conducting and were asked to provide one suggestion for curricular improvement. Participants’ mean ratings for items relating to rehearsal preparedness were lower than items for conducting skill preparedness. Results of one-way analysis of variance tests indicated significant differences between ratings based on gender. Respondents felt most confident about their conducting patterns, least confident about error detection and correction, and most frequently indicated the need for additional podium time during undergraduate conducting courses.