Demographics and Motivation of Adult Group Piano Students

As people are living longer and enjoying better quality of life, there has been a corresponding increase in interest in recreational music making by adults. This study examined the demographics and motivations of students enrolled in the Community Piano Experience hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music. Twenty-six participants completed Survey A before beginning the program, while 20 participants completed Survey B at the culmination of their instruction. Interpretation of both surveys demonstrated that these adult piano students were clear about their goals (anticipated rewards) from the outset of piano study. While unsure about the appropriateness of the group instructional environment at the outset of study, the participants were overwhelmingly positive in their assessment of the group environment by the end of the program. Participants were specific regarding what qualities they were seeking in a piano instructor, with certain qualities such as patience, positive demeanor, and knowledge/passion for music frequently cited in both surveys. Author: Brenda Wristen, Ph.D. Affiliation: University of Nebraska—Lincoln 343 Westbrook Music Building Lincoln, NE 68588-0100 United States (402) 472-1438 [email protected] Biographical Details: Dr. Brenda Wristen is Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of NebraskaLincoln where she directs the piano pedagogy and keyboard skills programs. Additionally, she is founder and director of the Community Piano Experience, an outreach program that offers beginning and intermediate class piano instruction for adults and other non-traditional piano students. Prevention of piano-related overuse injuries and biomechanical approaches to piano technique represents Dr. Wristen's primary research focus. As a recognized expert in this field, she has presented her research regarding prevention of music-related injuries at numerous meetings of national, state, and local associations, including Music Teachers National Association, the College Music Society, and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (in conjunction with the Aspen Music Festival), the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Dr. Wristen has authored articles for American Music Teacher, Clavier, Keyboard Companion, Piano Pedagogy Forum, Medical Problems of Performing Artists, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education. She is currently chair of the Pianists and Wellness Committee for the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, and serves on the pedagogy committee of Music Teachers National Association. In addition to her teaching and research activities, Dr. Wristen is an active clinician, adjudicator, and performer.