Identity Perceptions of Music Performance/Music Education Double Majors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Undergraduate students who double major in music performance and music education often face issues with identity perception unlike those of their single-major counterparts. As they simultaneously develop both identities, double majors cope with additional challenges as they determine who they are and who they hope to become. Some easily adapt to both identities--incorporating values of both majors to create a well-rounded persona--while others struggle to find balance between the two identities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early stages of performer-teacher identity by examining double majors in various stages of their programs of study who aspire to become a performer and music educator. Using individual and focus-group interviews and e-mail prompts, I investigated the experiences of five undergraduate students majoring in music education and music performance. Participants were asked to describe influences that led them to the double major. They were also asked to consider which of their majors they felt to be more prominent, and how they intended to utilize each major in their future. Participants also described qualities of ideal performers and teachers. They responded to questions regarding training received and perceptions of superiority and inferiority within the school of music. Six themes emerged from the analysis. I found that participants were enveloped in varying degrees of blended musician identity depending on the length of their experience. Participants had been socialized primarily by family and teachers, and secondarily by applied professors and practical experiences. They felt most like performers or teachers when involved in hands-on experiences, and those experiences that were considered in real-life situations were the most helpful in identity development. Participants expressed concerns regarding heavy workloads and their ability to develop adequate skills for success. I also discovered a tendency of participants to cater to the perceptions of those within their environment. Concern for the opinions of others often led to a superiority/inferiority conflict between performance majors and music education majors both within and across applied studios. Implications for music school faculty and music students are included.