Profiles of Veteran Music Teachers

• In Event: Considering Music Teachers and Pedagogy

Abstract

The purpose of this multiple case study was to describe the teaching practices of six veteran music teachers and to examine perceptions of development through career stages over the past 20 years. Data included two observation of teaching and three individual interviews with each teacher and a focus group with all participants. Findings themes and sub-themes to be presented will include: (a) What veteran teachers do (prediction, presence, care, calm); (b) How veteran teachers are different from new teachers (making due with less, process over product, less competitive with other music teachers and music programs; (c) How these teachers have changed in 20 years (use of time, musical identity, changing priorities). Implications for teacher professional development and leadership are provided.

Author

• Colleen M. Conway, University of Michigan