Students are motivated and influenced by various constituencies when they are considering college music education. In this study, freshman music education majors are interviewed about such influences---school music teachers, ensemble experiences, teaching experiences---to verify reasons for selecting music education as one's major. Further, subjects are interviewed regarding their experiences as they progress through their first year of music study in a music education degree. They are asked to reflect on their college experiences and perceived future success in the profession. Results from the pilot and main investigation suggest that sampled subjects chose music as a career because they liked and respected their teachers, had pre-service teaching experiences, and had positive experiences in their school ensembles. Results show growth as students reflect on their experiences. The information gleaned from this study's investigations offer an appreciation for developing successful programs to encourage students to enter the music teaching profession.
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