A Content Analysis of The Bornoff String Bulletin and String Education Quarterly From 1966 to 1991

Abstract

Between 1966 and 1991, George Bornoff and his associates published two primary periodicals, the Bornoff String Bulletin (BSB) and String Education Quarterly (SEQ), each of which document aspects of Bornoff Approach to string class instruction. Given that all three periodicals remain largely inaccessible to the public, the purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to provide summative descriptions of the BSB and SEQ that further inform our understanding of Bornoff’s Approach. Our study was guided by three research questions: (a) What was the purpose of the BSB, SEQ1, and SEQ2 publications? (b) What content was addressed in these publications? and (c) Which string instruments are featured more prominently in pedagogical content across periodicals? Through our analysis, we sought to provide a description of each set of periodicals. Analyses revealed four themes in the publications: (a) Promoting the Bornoff Approach, (b) Sharing String Pedagogy, (c) Clarifying Concepts and Procedures, and (d) Training Public School Teachers. Findings provide insights into Bornoff’s pedagogy, the influence of Gestalt philosophy and Bornoff’s efforts to advance string education.