Lessons from Lithuania: Teacher beliefs and behaviors in teaching young children to sing

Abstract

The purpose of this naturalistic case study was to uncover beliefs and behaviors of successful teachers who produced excellent children’s singing in Lithuania. The research questions guiding the study were: What particular beliefs did music teachers hold about their ability to teach children to sing and the necessary components to teach children good singing? What specific behaviors did music teachers exhibit and embrace in public and singing school music classes to achieve good singing that is accurate, tuneful, resonant, expressive, and in head voice? In this naturalistic case study, data from informants ( N =18) consisted of interviews ( n = 12) and observations in their classrooms ( n = 22) and concerts ( n =7) in an urban area in a city in Lithuania. The conceptual framework underpinning the study was supported by the data, relating to their beliefs and behaviors about their knowledge and skill in teaching, their use of a variety of teaching strategies, and their use of highly sequenced literature. Of most importance was that they emphatically lived their beliefs in order to achieve success with children’s singing. Implications are offered that relate to music teacher preparation.