Mnemonic devices are memory aids that make it easier to recall information and are widely used by students studying anatomy and physiology. Simple musical instruments and toys can serve as mnemonic devices for students learning the functional anatomy of the larynx: balloons can help learners understand and recall how sound is produced; tuning pegs…

Class piano has been a subset of piano pedagogy that has been growing in popularity since its establishment 200 years ago. The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize the research and materials related to the history of class piano and its function in (a) K-12 school settings, (b) collegiate student settings, and (c) adult student…

As the world's population continues to grow older, retired individuals seek out musical experiences. Many of these musicians are returning to playing in a wind band for the first time in decades, so they are, in essence, beginners again. The learning experiences of adults of returning to band contains both physical and social barriers but…

This qualitative thematic analysis explores parents' perceptions of Suzuki music learning. Although parents are part of the 'Suzuki triangle' alongside the child and teacher, there is little research that investigates the Suzuki parent role. This work explores self-reports of parents' experiences, expectations, and needs during their child's first…

Selecting repertoire that adult piano students find motivating and musically satisfying is more complex than simply finding pieces that are aurally pleasing. Drawing on theories of motivation, adult learning and transformative pedagogy, this practitioner-based study describes how the author learned to involve her students in the selection process,…

The purpose of this study was to examine the intergenerational interactions between preservice music teachers and senior adult musicians engaged in music teaching and learning in a New Horizons ensemble within one university's music teacher preparation program. This intrinsic qualitative case study included written reflections and observational…

The purpose of this study was to investigate Japanese secondary physical educators' professional development experiences teaching Japanese traditional dance education at a private secondary school. This study used a descriptive-qualitative research method, using in-depth interviewing within andragogy theory. Four physical education teachers (three…

This qualitative research presents data relating to eight amateur pianists who completed a 10-week Piano Performance course for lifelong learners at the University of York, UK. This article discusses the development of learning through the impact of group participation, challenges faced by learners and pedagogical strategies used by the leader to…

This paper describes the use of activity theory to compare dissimilar cases in a study of adult online music learners. The purpose of the study was to better understand the barriers that keep self-motivated users of online open education resources from experiencing successful independent learning. Eleven participants were given tutoring-style help…

As the number of adults seeking to learn the piano increases, so too does the need for piano teachers to understand how to better facilitate their learning. Self-direction is an oft-cited requirement of adult learning, but one that is often absent from piano studios. This practitioner-based research investigates the role of the teacher in…

Exploring emergent music learning and teaching models facilitated by global Web access can reveal alternative music education practices and delivery systems not seen in "traditional" conservatories and schools. One example of an alternative music learning model comes from the Online Academy of Irish Music (OAIM), a community music…

Instrument-making is a powerful way to teach and learn music, especially world music. This case study looks at adult music learners whose engagement in music involves instrument-making and the long lasting practice of music. A case in point is Japanese and North American practitioners of Japanese bamboo flutes, especially the end-blown…

Across the globe populations are ageing and living longer. Older people seek meaningful ways of occupying and enjoying their later years. Frequently, this takes the form of learning a new skill, in this case playing the piano keyboard. From the initial act of commitment to learning comes a raft of related aspects that influence the learner, their…

This article describes Training 2012 Conference & Expo which began with a bang and finished with a splash--literally. The Drum Cafe got participants' blood pumping with rhythmic tribal music early in the morning on the first day of the conference, February 13, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The drum leader established the…

This research was designed to determine whether musicians' learning is affected by the time intervals interposed between practice sessions. Twenty-nine non-pianist musicians learned a 9-note sequence on a piano keyboard in three practice sessions that were separated by 5 min, 6 hr, or 24 hr. Significant improvements in performance accuracy were…