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Student Musical Experiences and Self-Efficacy in AP Music Theory

The purpose of this case study was to examine musical experiences which may affect student perceptions of self-efficacy in Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory. Four students from a single AP Music Theory class participated in interviews where they discussed experiences in high school music study. Interview topics included ensemble participation in high school, outside-school involvement in musical activities and study, and perceptions of success in the course and preparation for the AP Music Theory examination. Specific research questions addressed in the study were: (1) What course skills addressed in AP Music Theory do students from different musical backgrounds feel most prepared to demonstrate within the context of the AP Music Theory examination? (2) What do student participants from different musical backgrounds cite as specific challenges in AP Music Theory? (3) How do students perceive their own musical backgrounds in relationship to their perceived success in AP Music Theory?
Findings suggested that prior musical experiences and a positive, low-stress classroom atmosphere contributed to participants’ confidence completing fundamental performance tasks in AP Music Theory, and that those influences affected participants’ feelings of self-efficacy in the class and on the AP Music Theory examination. Conversely, participants’ application of prior knowledge and previously developed musical skills to more difficult AP-style performance tasks solicited feelings of self-doubt and lower levels of self-efficacy. Implications of this study suggest that teachers of school music ensembles, applied lessons, and AP Music Theory should consider student self-efficacy when designing instruction and planning rehearsals or lessons. Researchers might consider measuring student feelings of self-efficacy in specific performance tasks, and the ways in which teachers can help students to develop self-efficacy in music classes. / Music Education

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:TEMPLE/oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/8604
Date January 2023
CreatorsPatton, Nathan M
ContributorsParker, Elizabeth Cassidy, Buonviri, Nathan O., Confredo, Deborah A.
PublisherTemple University. Libraries
Source SetsTemple University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis/Dissertation, Text
Format51 pages
RightsIN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available., http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Relationhttp://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/8568, Theses and Dissertations

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