ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses new learning approaches most productive for group delivery, highlights key motivational factors and resources that contribute to student development, and evaluates the suitability of various assessment instruments for group teaching. The quality of delivery of the practical music component of the Contemporary Music degree through this format had profound educational implications as these subjects form a significant component of the students’ first year experience and the core of the Performance major. The chapter estimates evidence of student learning and satisfaction being richly informed by student feedback, staff research participants’ questionnaires and comments, follow-up observation of instrumental teaching practices, and interrogation of personal group teaching pedagogy. Program change and curriculum development are dynamic, evolving trends in higher music education. The chapter concludes with discussion of group teaching strategies for instrumental music, broader implications for curriculum development, and the training of beginner music teachers, then longer-term implementation of professional development program recommendations.
