This qualitative case study approach was designed to examine choral and applied voice pedagogue’s similarities and differences of teaching healthy singing in the choral rehearsal and applied studio lesson while observing how their students respond and interpret the techniques used. The participants included six pedagogues (three choral, three applied voice) at the university level and one student of each pedagogue. Data were collected through pedagogue and student interviews. To support the interviews, demographic surveys, and observations of the choral rehearsal and applied studio lessons were completed. Data were coded and organized based on the four research questions. Analysis and findings were organized based on the four categories found in the study’s conceptual framework: (a) how they develop; (b) conceptualization and strategies of healthy singing; (c) other factors; and (d) student’s perspective. This research revealed that while both choral and applied voice pedagogues’ methods may vary there is consistency among the description of healthy singing and strategies that are appropriate for both settings. The study also shows that the pedagogue's background and training play a major role in the way that they currently teach. Additionally, pedagogues should remain thoughtful of the student’s abilities, repertoire choices, the rapport between them and the student, and the structure of the lesson/rehearsal. Recommendations are offered for choral and applied voice pedagogues, their students, and for future research in the field of healthy singing.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons children identify for initially enrolling and for continuing to enroll in piano lessons. Several factors were examined to assess their effect on the reasons for enrollment; these factors were gender, age, who initiated enrollment, and length of enrollment in piano lessons. Study participants included 71 children currently enrolled in private piano lessons in Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio. While previous research has focused on the reasons adults enroll in piano lessons, this study focused on children under the age of 18. The participants each completed the Reasons for Enrollment in Piano Lessons Survey. The survey listed various reasons for enrollment, for which the children rated their level of agreement based on a five-point Likert scale. Results indicated that the most agreed upon reason children initially enrolled in piano lessons was they thought it would be fun, and they continue enrollment in piano lessons because it is fun. In addition, the children also stayed enrolled in piano lessons because they wanted to become better pianists, they wanted to become better musicians, and they enjoy learning new music. An important implication for piano teachers is to consider the interests of students when selecting repertoire and provide ample playing opportunities during the lesson time in an effort to increase the amount of enjoyment for the students. In addition, teachers could take advantage of the increasing desire for improvement by challenging older students with more difficult and diverse repertoire, higher overall lesson preparation expectations, and new activities that address the student’s weaknesses. Suggestions for future research include utilizing a larger population, examining the effect of socio-economic status on children’s reasons for enrollment, surveying children in group lessons, and investigating what children think makes a lesson fun. / School of Music