Understanding virtual rehearsal participation through self-determination theory

ABSTRACT

The motivation to participate in ensemble rehearsals may be influenced by the rehearsal environment. With the emergence of the virtual rehearsal environment, there is a need to gain a better understanding of how online rehearsals affect participation decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability of one theory of motivation, Self-Determination Theory, to older adults’ decisions to participate or not participate in virtual rehearsals. Respondents (N = 49) included participants (n = 20) and nonparticipants (n = 29) who completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (n.d.) and the Modified Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (Laver et al. 2012). Mann–Whitney U comparisons indicated that nonparticipants had significantly lower ratings on the Perceived Competence and Value/Usefulness subscales on the IMI, in addition to significantly lower feelings of self-efficacy on the MCSES. Overall, the results seem to support the use of Self-Determination Theory to explain differences in the decision of New Horizons band members to participate in online rehearsals. To encourage participation in virtual ensembles, there is need to confirm ensemble members are comfortable with the technology and understand the value and usefulness of the activity itself.

KEYWORDS:

• Motivation
• older adults
• self-Determination theory
• self-efficacy
• virtual rehearsal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Matthew L. Williams

Matthew L. Williams is coordinator and assistant professor of music education at the University of Arizona. He teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate music education and advises graduate theses and dissertations. Prior to arriving at the University of Arizona, Dr. Williams taught instrumental music education at the University of Delaware. Dr. Williams’s research interests include music preference, preservice music teacher preparation, and social justice aspects of music education. He has presented sessions and research at state and national conferences including the National Association for Music Education National Conference, the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium, and the Desert Skies Symposium on Research in Music Education. He currently serves on the editorial board for UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education and his work has been published in Journal of Research in Music Education, UPDATE, Bulletin for the Council of Research in Music Education, and Journal of Band Research among others.

Amanda L. Schlegel

Amanda L. Schlegel Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Amanda Schlegel is Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at The University of South Carolina and director of the Congaree New Horizons Band programme. Before coming to UofSC, Amanda was Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Her research interests surround music perception and cognition as a function of instrumental music teacher/conductor effectiveness, music teacher education, and affective and emotional responses to music. Her research has been presented at regional, national, and international conferences, most notably the National Biennial In-Service Conference of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education, the Annual Music Education Week in Washington D. C. (MENC), International Symposium for Research in Music Behavior, Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE), International Society for Music Education, Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC), and the International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC). Her scholarly work has been published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Psychology of Music, and International Journal of Music Education.

Ann Harrington

Ann Harrington is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University where she serves as the Elementary General Music Specialist. Prior to her appointment at FSU, she served as the elementary general music specialist for University of Southern Mississippi, Ball State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She is certified in Orff Schulwerk and Kodály Level I and has served as a general music teacher for preschool, elementary, and middle school students in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Dr. Harrington’s research interests include music perception and cognition, community music, and music-making across the lifespan. She has presented her work at state, national, and international conferences. Her work has been published in UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education, Contributions to Music Education, and the International Journal of Community Music, and was featured in the UPDATE podcast series.

Jennifer A. Bugos

Jennifer A. Bugos is an Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of South Florida. She serves as the Internship Coordinator and teaches undergraduate courses in General Music Methods, General Music Pedagogy, and Senior Seminar as well as graduate coursework in Music Cognition. In 2013, she received the University of South Florida, Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. Dr. Bugos directs an interdisciplinary research lab, Music Research and Testing Lab (MRTL), of undergraduate and graduate students from across the USF campus. She also regularly mentors students as part of the Medical Humanities programme. Dr. Bugos’ research interests include the neurological basis for music perception and cognition with regard to human development, lifelong learning, and cognitive transfer. Her interests have led to the development of new music education programmes for healthy and clinical populations of children (Multimodal Music Training), and for adults (Keys to Staying Sharp; Piano for Parkinson’s). Her students have won research competitions as well as the USF Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation award. In 2018, she was recipient of the USF Outstanding Research Achievement award. In 2019, she received a USF Women of Leadership and Philanthropy award.