Music Literacy: A Multicase Study of Five Choral Directors' Use and Understanding of Choral Music Literacy in the Choral Classroom

Authors

Alicia M. Romero Sardiñas, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor's Name

Linda Spears-Bunton

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Candace Davenport

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Eric Dwyer

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Sarah Mathews

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fifth Advisor's Name

Thomas Reio

Fifth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Sixth Advisor's Name

Keisha McIntyre-McCullough

Sixth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

choral music literacy, choral music, music literacy, music educators, constructivism, transactional theory, critical literacy.

Date of Defense

11-6-2019

Abstract

The purpose of this multi-case study was to give experienced choral music educators a voice. It sought to describe, examine, and understand five choral music educators’ perceptions and use of elements within choral music literacy. These elements were specifically sight-reading, text analysis, and composition. Research questions included 1) What are the choral music educators’ perceptions and understandings of choral music literacy? 2) How do these choral music educators design and implement their curriculum? and 3) How can choral music educators balance performance requirements and the elements of choral music literacy, which are invaluable in the creation of independent music making? This research was guided by ideas based in constructivism, critical literacy, and transactional theory as a theoretical lens.

Participants were selected purposively based on the previous work of Garret (2013). Participants included three females and two males, two middle school and three high school choral music educators, with teaching careers ranging from eight years to 38 years in an urban city in the south with diverse populations. Five mini cases were bound together including participants’ interviews, observations, and lesson plans. The data collection included 15 interviews, 18 observations, and supplemental documents such as lesson plans and musical scores. Data analysis was inductive; 48 codes emerged and were gathered into five themes including musicianship skills and development, interpersonal connection, teacher qualities and responsibilities, student involvement, and growth mindset.

Identifier

FIDC008828

Recommended Citation

Romero Sardiñas, Alicia M., "Music Literacy: A Multicase Study of Five Choral Directors' Use and Understanding of Choral Music Literacy in the Choral Classroom" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4335.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4335