Decisions Regarding Music Training: Parental Beliefs and Values

Abstract

Musical talent development generally involves high levels of parental support over an extended period of time. This study examined parents' expectancy beliefs and values regarding their child's music training, regular academic work, and athletic activities. Parents of 231 students, aged 6-18, who attended programs at four music institutions responded to a questionnaire. The results suggest that parents may initially send their children for music training not for musical talent development per se, but for more general educational value. However, with more training and more advanced musical development, parents seem to regulate their beliefs and values across the three domains in the single-minded service of musical talent development.