Lessons from the Avocational Musician:

Fostering Enthusiasm for the Adult Amateur and Life-long Participation in Chamber Music

Patricia Hannon

Monona Grove Public Schools
PATRICIA_HANNON@mononagrove.org

Professor Janet Jensen

The University of Wisconsin-Madison
jljense2@facstaff.wisc.edu

Abstract

This study examined attitudes, musical experiences, and musical preferences in a population of university non-music majors participating in a chamber music program (n=45). All subjects were enrolled in a non-auditioned orchestra class, and the chamber music program was an adjunct activity to the orchestra. Survey questions were designed to ascertain subjects' opinions about previous musical experiences and education, access to and knowledge about repertoire, qualities of teachers and coaches, interacting with fellow amateurs, the impact of musical participation on non-musical life skills, and the role of music in their lives. Background research in the fields of adult education, amateur 'musicking', and life-long participation in the arts supported the study. Conclusions of the study hold implications for teacher preparation in music and string education, for understanding the adult amateur musician, and for validating musical experiences as much for context as for product.