Factors That Lead Students to Study Music Education

The purpose of this study was to survey music education students in their first year of undergraduate studies to learn what influences and/or musical experiences affected their choice in selecting music education as their major. Participants (N = 28) were enrolled in an Introduction to Music Education course at a mid-sized metropolitan university. Subjects were asked to complete a survey and rate perceived degree of influences on the selection of the music education major. Participants were also asked to provide written responses on personal influences that led them to select music education as a major. Survey results indicated that 89.3% of the students were most influenced by their high school music instructor in their decision to pursue music education. Other results show from all participants that previous experiences in music ensembles also had an influence on their decisions.