Enthusiasm for high school music

Pupils' enthusiasm for school music lessons drops significantly during the first year of secondary school, according to new research. The study shows that most pupils enjoyed music during primary school and looked forward to music at secondary school but their enthusiasm for the subject had faded by the end of Year 7. Key elements in making lessons enjoyable for the children included practical work, having a choice about the content, a sense of progress, and crucially a good quality teacher. Teachers' role is crucial The role of the teacher was considered to be the key factor in pupils' experience of music lessons. The importance of the music teacher in supporting pupils' active musical involvement, giving clear guidance and an element of choice to the pupils is clear from the findings. Pupils talked about their appreciation of their 'great, proper teachers' and teachers helping 'if you get stuck', as opposed to those pupils who felt they were 'sent off with a piece of paper and have to do the rhythms but we don't really get it explained'. Lead researcher, Dr Dimitra Kokotsaki from the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) and the School of Education at Durham University, said: "Good quality music education for children can have real benefits for their musical, emotional, intellectual and social development so this transition from primary to secondary school music tuition should be a positive one.