The development of instrumental music programs in Victorian government secondary schools 1965 to 2000

The study investigated the historical development of instrumental music programs in Victorian government secondary schools from 1965 to the year 2000. There was a focus on educational developments, political influences and policy changes during that time and how these affected instrumental music programs. Issues of resource allocation, the place of instrumental music in the curriculum and the value of instrumental music in schools were also explored. From these, the factors that have influenced the development, management and further continuation of these programs were identified and discussed.

The survey of the literature found that there was limited information on the study, therefore it was necessary to bring together information indirectly associated with the topic. The literature review discussed definitions and functions of instrumental music and provided an overview of instrumental music in Western civilisation. The teaching and learning of instrumental music was discussed in relation to education, schools, curriculum, State education, Commonwealth education and similar programs found interstate and overseas. The literature drew out issues relevant to the study of the development of instrumental music programs in Victorian government secondary schools.

The methodology selected for the study was historical and was based on qualitative research. Information was gathered from primary and secondary sources including monographs, theses, government reports and journal articles. Interviews were also conducted in the study where twenty key individuals who have contributed to the development of these programs were selected to further enrich the study. A chronology of the development of instrumental music programs in Victorian government secondary schools was provided. The major social, cultural and political influences were discussed which occurred during that time were discussed.

Supporting organisations and instrumental music programs offered in government schools interstate and overseas were also investigated in the study. They were researched to determine their influence on such programs in Victoria and also to provide a comparison. There were many supporting organisations that provided useful information and professional development opportunities for instrumental music teachers and students which were not made available by the Education Department. These organisations kept instrumental music teachers up-to-date with pedagogical developments and trends in instrumental music education.

Interstate government schools that offered instrumental music programs were discussed and compared to programs in Victoria. Instrumental music programs offered in secondary schools in the United Kingdom and the United States of America were also discussed and compared. Thirty-five factors were identified in the study that influenced the development of instrumental music programs in Victorian government secondary schools. Much of the information was from the interviews conducted during the study. A model was developed for the future successful continuation of instrumental music programs based on the concept of Community Music Centres. Here the resource would be available for both secondary and primary government students as well as members of the community. The study concluded by drawing together the findings of the study, raising pertinent issues and discussing recommendations and ideas for further research.