Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

DMA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

School of Music

Committee Chair

H. Keith Jackson

Committee Member

Jonas Thoms

Committee Member

Andrew Kohn

Committee Member

Jennifer Stueckle

Abstract

Non-major music students are an integral part of university music departments, as they both bolster the department’s enrollment numbers and bring diverse perspectives to the ensembles, lessons, and classes in which they participate. Although most non-majors focus their time on ensembles, a few choose to include lessons as part of their experience. Whether motivated by external factors like scholarship money or internal factors like a desire to improve on an instrument, these non-majors are a unique part of any applied studio. However, the phenomenon of non-majors in applied lessons is understudied. Literature tends to focus on non-major enrollment in ensembles or major enrollment in lessons, and non-majors in applied lessons sit at an often-overlooked intersection of these research focuses. This project jumpstarts the conversation on how to cater applied lessons to non-majors by examining the experiences and perceived learning outcomes of four former non-music majors who took applied horn lessons as undergraduates but earned a degree in a field outside of music. Across three interviews and one written response, I analyzed how their experiences were influenced by the fact that they were non-majors. To build my analyses, I annotated responses by assigning categories to them, then drawing connections between those categories. I then compared category connections from each interview to determine connections between all responses. Through this process, I determined that a relaxed learning environment, prioritization of ensembles, and concern over time and mental expenditure tended to characterize respondents’ experiences. Based on these and other conclusions, I offer suggestions of ways professors could work with their non-major students to ensure a fruitful learning environment.

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