Instructional Approaches to Teaching a Korean Percussion Ensemble (Samulnori) to Preservice Music Teachers and Preservice Classroom Teachers: An Action Research Study

Abstract

The purpose of this practical action research study was to explore how preservice music teachers, preservice classroom teachers, and a methods course instructor responded to the experience of rehearsing a Korean percussion ensemble piece. Seven preservice music teachers and nine preservice classroom teachers rehearsed Samulnori for 20 minutes per week for 8 weeks. Data sources included reflective narratives produced by the instructor and participants, observation field notes, and participant interviews. Through each step in the action research process, across multiple cycles of instruction and reflection, the teaching approach was altered to better fit participants’ needs and interests in the two groups. While preservice music teachers valued authentic music demonstrations and the hands-on process of learning to perform Samulnori in a polished and accurate manner, preservice classroom teachers required more detailed verbal explanations in addition to music demonstrations and showed interest in learning about the historical and cultural background of Samulnori.