Factors influencing students’ choice of musical instruments: A case study of Tertiary Institutions in South-Eastern Nigeria, a survey of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, College of Education Eha-Amufu Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract

The choice of musical instruments is among the most important factors in determining the course of students’ music education. Instruments and its/their selection can be a challenging process with attendant factors. Musical acoustics which falls into intrinsic-extrinsic motivating factor and gender stereotyping of instruments are among those factors. The association of musical acoustics with particular instrument can significantly influence students’ choice of musical instrument, thereby resulting in numerous negative-hatred consequences, including fewer instrument choices, limited ensemble participation, and peer disapproval. The findings show that musical acoustics reliably predicted the choice of musical instrument. In order for students to make the right instrument choice, musical acoustics should be encouraged, not the family (parents) forcing their children into musical instrument choice careers. Teachers, like parents, work very closely with learners in schools and they know the abilities of their s...