Elementary band directors’ occupational identity: an exploratory study
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Citation
Abstract
Identity development of undergraduate music education students has been studied many times by previous researchers. Findings have typically revealed a juxtaposition between students’ musician identities and their teacher identities. While past research has shown that undergraduate music education coursework tends to strengthen one’s musician identity rather than their teacher identity, comparatively little is known about identity development of music educators once they enter the workforce. The purpose of this study was to examine the occupational identity of in-service band directors working in elementary school contexts. Using a survey design, data were collected from music educators teaching band in the United States using a questionnaire that was distributed nationwide. Statistical analyses were conducted after which significant relationships were found between working in an elementary school band setting and experiencing identity misalignment leading to job dissatisfaction and career change. Future research of elementary band teachers specifically is suggested.
Description
2026