An investigation into partnerships between professional orchestras and schools with particular reference to the perception of teachers

摘要

The purpose of this study was to investigate how partnerships betweenudprofessional orchestras and schools worked with particular reference to theudperceptions of teachers. Much has been written about the effects of theseudpartnerships on orchestras and orchestral musicians, however, there has beenudlittle research regarding teachers' perceptions of the work and the effect it mightudhave on them. At a time when orchestras are fighting for survival and there is audshortage of music teachers in schools, collaboration is seen to be beneficial to alludparties. But what do teachers think?udA historical survey of the work of orchestras in education provided a context forudthe research. A sample of schools representing different phases which hadudexperienced projects from a range of orchestral collaborations during 2002/2003udprovided three cases as contexts for investigating the teachers' perceptions.udA multi-method approach was used employing both quantitative and qualitativeudtechniques. A small-scale survey using self-administered questionnaires withudclosed and open questions was undertaken, followed by semi-structuredudinterviews based on the questionnaire.udAlthough teachers overall viewed professional orchestral musicians working inudschools positively they identified a range of issues. These included the lack ofudvalue placed on the role of the teacher, and a lack of recognition of protocolsudsuch as Child Protection. Some projects left teachers feeling sidelined anduddeskilled. When projects worked well they were seen as an excellent resource.ud3udIt was seen as important to leave a legacy and maintain an on-going relationshipudwith the orchestra. Good practice was identified and implications for furtherudpractice and research discussed with suggestions for the development of theudprofessional musician/ music teacher partnership.