The intention of this study was to understand public school educators' perceptions of music education. This mixed methods study utilized a survey, interviews, and artifacts to interpret to what extent teachers and principals value music education as a contributing component of the academic program. The researcher aimed to comprehend how educators perceive music when compared to other academic subjects, how underlying factors and experiences contribute to perceptions of music education, and how perceptions align between teachers and principals. The data gathered for this study drew upon practicing educators from Pennsylvania public schools who serve in primary and middle years schools. 135 participants responded to a survey distributed via email, and 10 of the respondents were selected for follow up interviews.The findings of the study indicated that classroom teachers and principals generally perceive music to be less important that other academic subjects. The findings of the study also indicated that an educator's background in music and exposure to music have an impact on their perceptions of music education, although the level of impact varies depending on the specific type of musical undertaking. The findings of the study also showed that the perceptions of the importance of music education aligned between teachers and principals: teachers and principals agreed that music was a vital component to the academic curriculum. Lastly, the findings of the study indicated that educators in K-8 schools generally value music education more than educators in K-5 schools.

Editorial Board: William Bauer, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Susan Wharton Conkling, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Colleen Conway, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Regina Murphy, St. Patrick's College, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. Kathy Scherler, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX. Research Perspectives: Thought and Practice in Music Education calls attention to various theoretical and methodological aspects within the expanding field of research in music education. Perspectives presented in this volume offer readers a host of ideas and practices that range from international and historical to empirical and philosophical. Of special interest is a set of invited essays. Collectively, these essays illuminate our understanding of the peer review process, the importance of artistic vision in research and education, and the notion of complementarity – a recognition of the validity of diversity of thought and practice in music education research. The studies in Part 1 of Research Perspectives include early childhood musical development, an international comparison of early childhood preservice teacher knowledge and skills, and a psychohistoric examination of developmentally appropriate practice. Part II is comprised of studies focused on psychometrics of motivation, and professional development of practicing music educators. This volume is a significant addition to the libraries of Colleges of Education and Schools of Music, as well as an important reference for music scholars and educators, researchers, and graduate students who are concerned with advancing both the scope and quality of research in the study of music teaching and learning.

Editorial Board: Deborah Blair VanderLinde, Oakland University. William Bauer, University of Florida. Lisa R. Hunter, The State University of New York at Fredonia. Ronald Kos, Boston University. Joshua A. Russell, The Hartt School, University of Hartford. Peter Whiteman, Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University. Analyzing Influences: Research on Decision Making and the Music Education Curriculum examines influences on research in music teacher preparation, practices, and policies. These influences include administrators’ perspectives, preservice music educators’ beliefs, and in-service teachers’ practices. Invited essays offer insights into past and present trends in music teacher preparation. This collection of studies represents best thinking in the field and serves as an impetus for further research and action. Each author’s analysis on the influences affecting their specific areas provides insights into key issues affecting decision making processes. This volume is a significant addition to the libraries of Colleges of Education and Schools of Music, as well as an important reference for music scholars and educators, researchers, and graduate students who are concerned with advancing both the scope and quality of research in the study of music teaching and learning.

This qualitative case study identifies perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented concerning the difference in attention across school levels when it comes to offering professional development opportunities for music teachers. The majority of previous studies have focused on STEM programming, not the arts. In this study, the researcher interviewed six K-12 principals who aided in deciding whether to include music programs to students and professional development opportunities to teachers. Two principals were interviewed in the different K-12 school levels: elementary, middle, and high schools. The results of this study add to the literature and can foster an increase in advocacy to ensure that the arts are included in STEM educational programming and are a part of what schools are doing to better support their music educators. The results of this study will additionally benefit and advance music education by expanding research to include how different school levels promote music education in their curriculum with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), as well as demonstrating the need for music educators to be supported through professional development opportunities.