Positive Teacher Influence Strategies to Improve Secondary Instrumental Students’ Motivation and Perceptions of Self

Abstract

Asmus’s model of achievement motivation in music established a framework for the study of motivation in music education. Student perceptions of self were included in the model as a dynamic factor in student motivation to accomplish music learning tasks. Research has revealed further teacher influence on student motivation and perceptions of self since Asmus’s article. This article reviews literature on positive secondary instrumental music teacher influence on student motivation and perceptions of self. Research is organized around four practical areas of teacher influence: (a) word choice, (b) performance experiences, (c) intrinsic motivation, and (d) environments. Strategies for positive influence in these areas are then offered.