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Abstract - The Effect of Private Lesson Study on the Practice Habits and Attitudes Towards Practicing of Middle School and High School String Students
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The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between practice habits and attitudes of music students and private lesson study. Subjects, 512 sixth through twelfth grade string students, were administered the Practice Questionnaire which included questions pertaining to demographic information and practice habits and attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square procedure. When comparing responses of string students studying privately with those of students not studying privately, it was concluded that while some similarities certainly exist, string students who study privately tend to be more professionally goal oriented, as they more frequently make plans to attend college and anticipate participation in college ensembles such as orchestra. Students who study privately tend to practice longer, "smarter," and more efficiently as they establish practice objectives, maximize time and concentration through shorter but generally more productive practice segments, and regularly set aside certain portions of their day for practice. More goal oriented, students who study privately find practice emotionally satisfying and experience anxiety, depression, or guilt when they are not able to practice. While they enjoy the challenge of practicing and the chance to gain new knowledge and technique, string students studying privately also practice to gain teacher or peer approval, to gain better grades or to "move up" in orchestra,. Their drive for practicing is such that they will practice even if it interferes with their homework, social or family activities. They will practice even after they are physically exhausted, but are careful to monitor for pain during practice.
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