High school students’ perceptions of nontraditional music classes

This examination was an investigation of high school music students’ perceptions of nontraditional music classes. The specific questions were: (a) What nontraditional music courses were offered at participants’ schools?; (b) What were the participants’ perceived values of specific nontraditional music courses?; and (c) In which nontraditional music courses would participants enroll if offered at their schools? Findings showed participants would take nontraditional music courses if they were offered and perceived these courses as having musical value. However, curricular offerings selected most and perceived as having the highest value appeared to be common, perhaps more familiar, courses (e.g., music theory). As reported in the study, courses offered most frequently included Advanced Placement Music Theory, Music Theater, and Piano/Keyboard. Participants gave the highest values to Music Theory, Advanced Placement Music Theory, and Music Composition/ Arranging. Courses participants indicated they would enroll in most were Music Composition/ Arranging, Advanced Placement Music Theory, and Music Theory.