Teachers’ perspectives on music education in Croatian music schools

ABSTRACT

Croatian music education is implemented within the national education system. In this research, we focused on secondary education, or, more precisely, on teachers who work in Specialised music schools – independent institutions that prepare students for higher education in the field of music. The national curriculum for art education in the Republic of Croatia, published in 2017, has still remained at the level of proposal, and the teaching process is conducted according to the syllabuses designed in 2006. Considering these facts, we were interested in how teachers evaluate the syllabuses they follow and what changes they require. We used survey questionnaires and assessment scales, and qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis. As expected, teachers showed dissatisfaction with the syllabuses they follow. Instrumental and vocal teachers and senior teachers showed somewhat greater satisfaction. The results of the research can help in the creation of new subject curricula and the analysis of the current situation in practice for all those who will be involved in curricular changes.