PROGRESSION AND DROP-OUT IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: CAUSES AND REMEDIES Susan Hallam

Motivation supporting progression Love of music Strong musical identity Social life and friends involved with music Enjoyment of performance Receiving positive feedback Having effective learning strategies Having musical self-belief Having realistic goals and aspirations Embracing new challenges Having resilience Having inspiring teachers as role models

Support for progression Families play a crucial role (moral, financial support) Peer pressure can be positive or negative (particularly at secondary school) Educational systems can support or hinder Teachers play a crucial role (instrumental and class) Students are vulnerable to giving up playing at transition points

Drop-outs Many reasons for drop-out Other interests Negative peer pressure Perceived wrong instrument Too challenging Family factors (expense, transport, no support) Move into informal learning Lack of opportunities Transition challenges (teachers, negative attitudes of school towards music)

Remedies: teachers Engender love of music early on Act as inspirational role models Have positive relationships with learners Ensure that learners know how to practice effectively Negotiate repertoire Encourage opportunities for performance Encourage learners to join musical groups early on to encourage identity and friendship development Engage parents where possible

Remedies: organisations Educational systems can support or hinder progression Strong partnerships are important for progression Transitions are critical Positive transitions are supported by teachers, families and organisations There need to be strong links between organisations to support transitions Progression pathways need to be developed which lead seamlessly from one to another

Conclusions Children and young people must want to progress Staff and organisations can help by trying to ensure that systems and progression routes are easy to negotiate Support is particularly needed at transition points Expectations about progression need to be realistic

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