Counting the Cost: Preservice Music Teachers’ Degree Financing & Persistence

• In Event: Policy, Teacher Preparation, and (In)Equity in Music Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore enrollment, persistence, and workforce entry for postsecondary students in music and music education. Research questions guiding this research addressed demographic characteristics of students who enroll in music education degree programs, student persistence compared to non-music education and non-arts majors, and the ways in which music and music education students finance their degree. Using data from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) we compared preservice music teachers to the broader population of students majoring in non-music arts education fields and non-education visual and performing arts fields.

Authors

• Stephanie Prichard, University of Maryland

• Kenneth Elpus, University of Maryland