Interpreting children's initial motivations to learn the cello.

Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
MacArthur, Stephanie;Davidson, Jane W.;Krause, Amanda
Abstract

This study was part of a longitudinal project that used Participatory Action Research and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodologies to investigate how the early learning experiences of 14 beginner cello students aged between 7 - 9 years impacted their longer-term engagement. When lessons commenced, the students’ initial motivations to play the cello were examined in granular detail. Findings indicate that all the children were primed for learning through positive prior engagement with music, and all described an affinity for the register, timbre, size and shape of the cello. With further investigation, each child was found to have a unique set of key intrapersonal factors driving their initial interest to play the cello. These emerged as themes that included: the desire to be creative or musical, to have a hobby, to satisfy a curiosity in learning, and to regulate mood. Developing close interpersonal relationships with family members and friends that played instruments, and building a relationship with the teacher were also found to contribute to children’s initial motivations. Results indicate that the children with a broader range of intrapersonal factors and interpersonal relationships motivating their initial interest were more likely to engage with music learning longer-term.

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Australian Music & Psychology Society (AMPS) 2022 Conference

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1

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Virtual

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Australian Music & Psychology Society (AMPS)

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Online

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