Levels of significance attributed to musical and non-musical factors of individual difference by classroom music teachers

This study explores the relative significance attached to musical and non-musical factors of individual difference when rated by a group of secondary school music teachers in the contexts of teaching approaches and attainment outcomes. Participants completed two Q-sorts in which 20 statements reflecting both high and low characteristics on ten factors of individual difference were rated according to perceived significance. Results suggest that music teachers may believe non-musical factors to be of greater significance, both in terms of influencing their teaching approaches and in determining the outcomes of teaching, than musical factors.