The optimal utilisation of young piano beginners' attention span : an instrumental case study

Abstract

This study was motivated by the challenges I experienced with regard to my young piano beginners’ attention span as a first time piano teacher. The purpose of this qualitative instrumental case study was to develop a conceptual framework that would explain how the attention span of young piano beginners can be optimally utilised. For this study the young piano beginner can be defined as a Foundation Phase learner who has just commenced with individual piano lessons for the first time. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with seven experienced piano teachers who teach young beginners in Johannesburg. Data also included the piano teachers’ reflections on short tasks they had to implement in their individual teaching. The interview transcripts and reflections on the short tasks were analysed in ATLAS.ti 7, a Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software programme. During analysis, themes emerged which allowed me to interpret and present my findings narratively. The findings revealed the challenges piano teachers experience with regard to young piano beginners’ attention span as well as methods and suggestions to optimise these young piano beginners’ attention span. The methods and suggestions were employed to develop a conceptual framework from the data related to the existing literature that could stimulate, regain and maintain the interest of young piano beginners. On the basis of the research findings related to the existing literature, it can be concluded that the conceptual framework will be able to optimally utilise young piano beginners’ attention span, as it is flexible and includes a wide spectrum of musical activities, games, methods and suggestions to cater for a variety of young beginners