Pedagogical creativity: a multiple case study of concert band director practices
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
With this multiple-case study, I investigated how instrumental music educators apply pedagogical creativity within the context of traditional wind band education. Utilizing the theoretical framework of Abramo and Reynolds (2015), which defines pedagogical creativity through four core traits—structured improvisation, ambiguity tolerance, metaphorical thinking, and fluid teacher identity, I explored how these characteristics manifest in the lived experiences and instructional practices of three exemplary concert band directors. Through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and thematic analysis, I analyzed how these educators balance the tension between product-oriented ensemble traditions and more responsive, student-centered pedagogical approaches. Findings reveal that pedagogical creativity manifests through intentional flexibility, student empowerment, and emotionally safe learning environments. Participants, Lyla, Ella, and Austin, demonstrated how their deep pedagogical content knowledge enabled them to scaffold instruction while fostering student agency and expressive musicality. Their practices reflect a shift away from rigid, director-centric rehearsal models toward more collaborative and relational artistry, where technical mastery serves broader educational and humanistic aims. This study contributes to a growing discourse on reimagining ensemble teaching by positioning pedagogical creativity as a transformative force in music education. Rather than aligning instruction solely with traditional performance outcomes, participants intentionally employed student-centered deviations—what I described as constructive misalignments—to challenge normative expectations and reframe learning around deeper engagement, emotional growth, and shared meaning-making. These deliberate strategies prioritized musical exploration, student autonomy, and a culture of care.
Description
2025
License
Attribution 4.0 International