Teachers’ opinions of student dropout from formal music education centres of the Canary Islands

Abstract

One hundred and eighty-five teachers were surveyed to determine their opinion of student dropout from formal music centres in the Canary Islands. The goal of the study was to investigate the causes of dropout and strategies to prevent it. Teachers' opinions were collected by means of a questionnaire. The influence of the environment on the students and the teachers' reflections about the music studies carried out were among the topics addressed. The sample is made up of the teachers who were teaching during the 2010/2011 course. Among other issues, the results show the great influence of teachers on student achievement, the importance of facilitating the compatibility of music studies with general education, and the need for the students to study the desired specialty. In addition, the teachers revealed curricular deficiencies and the relevance of motivation for preventing failure.