Influences on Career Choice Among Music Education Audition Candidates: A Pilot Study

David A. Rickels, Boise State University
Kimberly H. Councill, Susquehanna University
William E. Frederickson, Florida State University
Michelle J. Hairston, East Carolina University
Ann M. Porter, University of Cincinnati - Main Campus
Margaret Schmidt, Arizona State University

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to survey prospective undergraduate music education majors to learn what motivated them to aspire to a career in music education. Respondents were candidates auditioning, but not yet accepted, for music teacher preparation programs at four institutions (N = 228). Findings corroborate prior research that suggests that school music teachers and/or private lesson teachers are highly influential. This study sought to quantify the types of experiences participants had in teaching roles at the time of their college audition, supporting other research suggesting that such experiences may increase interest in a music teaching career. Recommendations include engaging music educators at all PK-12 levels in actively recruiting and encouraging future teachers; providing private instructors and performance majors with teacher recruitment information; emphasizing earlier identification and preparation of prospective educators; and refining and continuing the work begun in the pilot study.