Lifelong learning in amateur chamber musicians

Lifelong learning is essential for adults to adapt to an ever-changing world. It benefits both individuals and society. Lifelong learning includes formal learning that focuses on credentials and informal learning that happens along the way. Measuring this informal learning can be challenging since it is not marked by exams, grades, or credits. This study explores informal lifelong learning in a specific context: the peer-to-peer learning that occurs between amateur chamber musicians. Research on adult music opportunities focuses on nonformal settings such as community bands and group classes. Less attention has been paid to informal lifelong music learning, particularly the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are passed between peer musicians. This study uses the informal peer learning of amateur chamber musicians to explore what motivates lifelong learners. The literature review begins with background on lifelong learning generally, including a discussion of access and barriers. Next, it narrows to lifelong music learning, focusing on what adult musicians want in their music experiences, what they have access to, and barriers that inhibit participation. This study then examines motivations and benefits for adult community music participation, how musicians learn to play chamber music, specifically, and how their roles as musicians are shaped through informal communities of practice. Finally, this study discusses broader implications and conclusions about informal lifelong learning that can be drawn from the findings.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Black, Krista Nicole

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kalantzis, Mary
• Cope, William
• Pak, Yoon
• Montebello, Matthew

• Lifelong learning
• communities of practice
• amateur musicians
• chamber music

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2021 Krista Nicole Black

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110633

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/110633