Interpretive study of four secondary level male music teachers in Northwestern Ontario
Abstract
The relative dearth of qualitative studies on characteristics
of exemplary secondary level music teachers buttressed the need for
this thesis. I selected four secondary male music teachers deemed
exemplary by members of their communities. Within the context of
their environments, and via extensive conversations, I recorded
their responses to the following question: "What is the experience
of being an exemplary music teacher?" From their responses the
most significant qualities emerged in the form of themes and
thematic strands, which I then compared with the characteristics of
exemplary music teachers found in the literature.
The participants agreed that one must be prepared to work many
hours beyond what is contractually required if one is to achieve
exemplary status. Associated with this time commitment is the fact
that one must exert a great amount of energy in his music teaching
activities. Next, the participants discussed the attachments they
develop with their students as well as the sacrifices they must
make in their personal lives with respect to relationships.
Finally, the last three main themes deal with the need for
financial prudence, a comprehensive knowledge base, and an
underlying love for music. A strong correlation exists between the
findings and the literature.
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- Retrospective theses [1604]