A survey of music educator's understanding and use of advanced audio technology in their instructional methods and strategies

OF THE THESIS A SURVEY OF MUSIC EDUCATORS' UNDERSTANDING AND USE OF ADVANCED AUDIO TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND STRATEGIES by Francesco Paolo Boccuzzi Florida International University, 2010 Miami, Florida Professor Joel Galand, Major Professor This study examines the correlation between how certified music educators understand audio technology and how they incorporate it in their instructional methods. Participants were classroom music teachers selected from fifty middle schools in MiamiDade Public Schools. The study adopted a non-experimental research design in which a survey was the primary tool of investigation. The findings reveal that a majority of middle school music teachers in Miami-Dade are not familiar with advanced audiorecording software or any other digital device dedicated to the recording and processing of audio signals. Moreover, they report a lack of opportunities to develop this knowledge. Younger music teachers, however, are more open to developing up-to-date instructional methodologies. Most of the participants agreed that music instruction should be a platform for preparing students for a future in the entertainment industry. A basic knowledge of music business should be delivered to students enrolled in middle-school music courses.