A survey of inclusive and selective music programs in California public secondary schools

Music teachers were surveyed to investigate a relationship between program type (inclusive and selective) and music student enrollment in California public secondary schools. Inclusive music classes are open to all students. In contrast, selective music classes require students to demonstrate talent or previous experience. Graduation requirements, geographic location, teacher experience, community support, community expectations, and student ethnicity were examined to discover possible variables influencing music student enrollment. The results indicate a positive correlation between music student enrollment and the number of inclusive classes offered. Student enrollment significantly increased in music classes when music was integrated into the general curriculum. Other variables that significantly increased music student enrollment included parent and school board support. Some types of district support (number of music classes offered, music rooms, performance facilities, and accompanist) raised music student enrollment. No relationships were detected between music student enrollment and other variables such as: per pupil expenditure, graduation requirements, geographic location, and community expectations. As school size increased, the percentage of music student enrollment decreased. It was also found that music classes are not representative of the total student population