The Influences of Music Teachers on a Person`s Musical Development: In the Context of Lifelong Music Learning

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to explore the influences of music teachers during school years on a person’s musical development in terms of continuous education. In order to do this, this research was conducted with the multiple case study of six seniors that offered narrative data of their personal music experiences during school years and afterward. It was found from this research that school music teachers have a significant influence not only on a person’s musical development but on human development throughout life. Findings suggested that, to make positive influences on students’ musical development, music teachers should build a close relationship with students, cultivate a positive attitude toward music, use various instruction methods for students’ full sensual enjoyment of music, and develop an open music curriculum to meet students’ various musical needs.