ERIC Number: EJ924645
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-May
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0255-7614
EISSN: N/A
Using Technology to Engage Third-Age (Retired) Leisure Learners: A Case Study of a Third-Age MIDI Piano Ensemble
Pike, Pamela D.
International Journal of Music Education, v29 n2 p116-123 May 2011
Census data from the USA and other countries project that people over the age of 65 are expected to account for one-fifth of the population by 2030 and will double to 88.5 million people by 2050. Retirees (third-age) are pursuing lifelong-learning activities as they search for meaning and purpose during the post-professional years. Many third-aged students have returned to music study as a means of developing new or neglected musical skills. Researchers have noted important physiological, educational and social benefits of group music study. The purpose of this project was to conduct a qualitative case study of a successful third-age MIDI ensemble (founded in 2002) to explore the benefits experienced by these subjects (N = 35) and to discover why these students return to the program year after year. Data from this eight-year case study has been triangulated through regular field visits, videos of classes and performances, subject questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Constant-comparative analysis was employed and broad themes that emerged included: student satisfaction through engagement with the technology; musical growth as a result of the technology and ensemble music; improved technical and musical skills; and increased confidence in both use of the technology and in its musical application. This successful group might serve as a model for future third-age MIDI programs. (Contains 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Video Technology, Music Education, Music, Comparative Analysis, Older Adults, Educational Technology, Case Studies, Student Attitudes, Qualitative Research, Satisfaction, Questionnaires, Interviews, Adult Education, Peer Teaching, Peer Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A