Thesis submission ID 880 | created
| last updated
Jean O'Reilly, An exploration of the benefits that group playing and performance provide for adult learners of musical instruments: a case study of the Gateway Orchestra in Wexford, Ireland
Volumes, pp.: 1 (137pp.)
Supervisor(s): Gareth Cox
Repository (hard copy): Mary Immaculate College Library
General specialism: Music Education
Key terms, concepts: adult education
Key terms, places: Wexford
Abstract:
Adult music education in relation to group playing and performance is an area that needs to be explored in more depth within the Irish context. Opportunities to engage actively with music ensembles are perhaps lacking for adults who wish to learn musical instruments. This study examined an existing orchestra, the Gateway Orchestra, in Co. Wexford, which provides an outlet for adult learners to play and perform in a group setting.
The aims of this case study were to highlight the potential benefits that group playing and performance has on adult learners of musical instruments whilst also presenting the need for similar organisations throughout Ireland. Previous literature in this area directed the research towards educational, emotional and social benefits. Therefore, these aspects were examined in detail throughout the data collection.
Qualitative research was utilised through participant questionnaires, semi-structured interviews with five of the participants and a semi-structured interview with the current conductor. This information was then triangulated in order to present the findings.
It emerged from the data that those members who participated in the study benefited in several ways from playing with the orchestra, whether educationally, emotionally or socially. Many of the participants clearly appreciate and value the opportunity to play with the orchestra. The research also suggests that similar programmes could prove to be equally successful in other geographical areas, should music educators be encouraged to implement them.
Jean O'Reilly, An exploration of the benefits that group playing and performance provide for adult learners of musical instruments: a case study of the Gateway Orchestra in Wexford, Ireland
MA, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2017
Volumes, pp.: 1 (137pp.)
Supervisor(s): Gareth Cox
Repository (hard copy): Mary Immaculate College Library
General specialism: Music Education
Key terms, concepts: adult education
Key terms, places: Wexford
Abstract:
Adult music education in relation to group playing and performance is an area that needs to be explored in more depth within the Irish context. Opportunities to engage actively with music ensembles are perhaps lacking for adults who wish to learn musical instruments. This study examined an existing orchestra, the Gateway Orchestra, in Co. Wexford, which provides an outlet for adult learners to play and perform in a group setting.
The aims of this case study were to highlight the potential benefits that group playing and performance has on adult learners of musical instruments whilst also presenting the need for similar organisations throughout Ireland. Previous literature in this area directed the research towards educational, emotional and social benefits. Therefore, these aspects were examined in detail throughout the data collection.
Qualitative research was utilised through participant questionnaires, semi-structured interviews with five of the participants and a semi-structured interview with the current conductor. This information was then triangulated in order to present the findings.
It emerged from the data that those members who participated in the study benefited in several ways from playing with the orchestra, whether educationally, emotionally or socially. Many of the participants clearly appreciate and value the opportunity to play with the orchestra. The research also suggests that similar programmes could prove to be equally successful in other geographical areas, should music educators be encouraged to implement them.
Thesis submission ID 880