Instrumental Ensemble Enrollment Changes during COVID-19: Evidence from Michigan
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| Title: | Instrumental Ensemble Enrollment Changes during COVID-19: Evidence from Michigan |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ryan D. Shaw, Wenyue Ma |
| Source: | Contributions to Music Education. 2025 50:121-139. |
| Availability: | Ohio Music Education Association. e-mail: contributions@omea-ohio.org; Web site: https://www.omea-ohio.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education High Schools Junior High Schools Middle Schools |
| Descriptors: | COVID-19, Pandemics, Music Education, Musical Instruments, Music Activities, Enrollment, Geographic Location, Secondary School Students, High Schools, Middle Schools, Rural Schools, Suburban Schools, Urban Schools |
| Geographic Terms: | Michigan |
| ISSN: | 0190-4922 |
| Abstract: | The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions to school music programs during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Then, in 2021-2022, most schools operated with in-person instruction, giving secondary music teachers a chance to understand impacts on elective music course enrollment changes. The purpose of this study was to explore how music program enrollment changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sent a survey link to members of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, resulting in analysis of 279 responses (30.1% response rate). We analyzed enrollment figures with both descriptive and inferential statistics and coded open-ended responses where respondents indicated possible reasons for enrollment changes. Results suggest an overall decline in instrumental enrollment across all grades, ranging from a loss of 5.4% in 12th grade up to more than 20% in middle school grades. We found no significant differences based on school locale. However, we found significant differences in declines at the middle school level based on prior year instructional modality and current year scheduling. In open-ended answers, respondents suggested a range of reasons for declines, including policies and COVID-related fears. This research has implications for ensemble teachers and policymakers seeking to understand how the pandemic has affected elective music courses. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Access URL: | https://www.omea-ohio.org/general_and_subscription_infor.php |
| Accession Number: | EJ1473429 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions to school music programs during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Then, in 2021-2022, most schools operated with in-person instruction, giving secondary music teachers a chance to understand impacts on elective music course enrollment changes. The purpose of this study was to explore how music program enrollment changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sent a survey link to members of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, resulting in analysis of 279 responses (30.1% response rate). We analyzed enrollment figures with both descriptive and inferential statistics and coded open-ended responses where respondents indicated possible reasons for enrollment changes. Results suggest an overall decline in instrumental enrollment across all grades, ranging from a loss of 5.4% in 12th grade up to more than 20% in middle school grades. We found no significant differences based on school locale. However, we found significant differences in declines at the middle school level based on prior year instructional modality and current year scheduling. In open-ended answers, respondents suggested a range of reasons for declines, including policies and COVID-related fears. This research has implications for ensemble teachers and policymakers seeking to understand how the pandemic has affected elective music courses. |
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| ISSN: | 0190-4922 |
