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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Any questions?