Methods of Band Instrument Selection and their Validity as Indicators of Successful Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This research examines the process of musical instrument selection. The decisionmaking processes, the methods available to aid teachers, students and parents in these processes, and their validity as indicators of successful learning outcomes have been studied. This research aims to extend the existing body of knowledge on methods of instrument selection, and to broaden the scholarship of this field by closely examining the outcomes that they produce. Choosing to study a musical instrument and deciding which one to play are decisions that face many thousands of Australian primary school students, parents and teachers every year. The range of pre-existing knowledge available to aid this process will vary markedly from family to family and school to school. Many families will have some musical knowledge and background, some will be aware of literature to access and of institutions that offer advice, and others will have little or no idea where to begin their search. The initial decision of whether or not to begin learning a musical instrument might seem straightforward, but this can be influenced by a range of different factors and circumstances. In a school environment, some of these contributing factors can often lie outside the control of parents, students and even the instrumental music teachers. The decision regarding which instrument to choose can be a complicated and confusing process and whilst there are various methods available to aid these decisions, their validity has not been fully investigated or tested in terms of accurately predicting learning outcomes. “Methods of suitability testing and instrument selection” refer to the systems, processes or practices that are currently used, principally in primary schools, as a means of both suitability testing for the placement of students in instrumental music programs, and to help select appropriate band instruments for them to subsequently study. The ultimate goal of this research is the development of an optimal testing method or combination of methods that will accurately predict which students will be musically successful, and on which instruments. It is also a desired aim that the developed method be of substantial value in terms of implementation in a primary school setting.