Enrichment and acceleration of highly motivated children’s instrumental music learning: A case study of a pilot development project

This case study examined a pilot development project to intensify the learning of instrumental music and enrich the development of highly motivated music school children in Finland. The project was built on four core components: (a) increased tuition, (b) integration of peer learning alongside one-on-one instruction, (c) parallel teaching, and (d) an emotionally nurturing environment. The school-year-long project was implemented in three music schools in collaboration with a higher education institution. The research findings suggest that all the core components intensified the children’s instrumental music learning and that group lessons and activities increased their motivation. Parallel teaching served as continuing education for the teachers and diversified the children’s learning; however, it also occasionally caused confusion among the children. The nurturing learning environment, coupled with collaboration between teachers and families, as well as the commitment and support of caregivers, sustained the children’s socio-emotional development and ability to cope with the concise schedule. Regarding the further development of such practices, based on this study, it can be suggested to better prepare the collaboration and parallel teaching of different teachers and to offer a clearer vision, negotiated with the participants, of what the child is expected to do at home and what the parents’ role is. The project was perceived as very time-consuming and intense. Therefore, finding the right balance in an extended instrumental education that integrates several elements is a challenge that needs further reflection. Overall, the project raised questions about how to reconcile the provision of equal opportunities for all children with the legitimation of special treatment in music education. These issues should remain the subject of careful, critical, and open consideration in music education policy and research.