Students' time with music in primary and elementary school contexts: a case study in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Main Author: Trainor, Catherine
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2017
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Canada
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/12984/; https://research.library.mun.ca/12984/1/thesis.pdf

The purpose of this thesis is to use a qualitative case study to examine time allocation for classroom music in primary-elementary schools in the metro area of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The first part of the thesis is the introduction to the study and research questions. The research questions focus on current contexts in participating schools, decision-making processes for school-wide scheduling, and potential opportunities for improvement. This study includes a survey as well as interviews with music teachers and administrators to determine responses to the research questions. The results of this study found that participating schools typically offer less time for music class than is recommended by the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Various reasons, issues, challenges and opportunities around this finding are explored in the data analysis. It is evident that music educators and administrators alike value music education and seem to be making an effort to do what is best for their students. However, some changes to current practices could potentially allow students’ time in music to be maximized to the recommended time allocations.