Changing Perspectives of Music Education Leaders from Boomers to Gen Z

Teachers involved in leadership at any level may be leading groups of people from different generations, so an understanding of expected attitudes and practices of leadership is imperative. Perspectives between generations differ in many ways, and changing views of the role and actions of a leader are important differences that directly impact music teaching and learning and the professional lives of music educators. Generation Z has now entered the university, and with them comes many differing ideas about leadership practices. Understanding leadership differences between generations can help us prepare preservice teachers for future professional roles both in the classroom and throughout their careers. This study will uncover and identify beliefs about leadership in the classroom and professional organizations of a group of music education leaders. This qualitative, multiple case study will use open and axial coding to reveal emergent themes from interviews with representatives from each of the generations currently professionally active, from Baby Boomers through Generation Z. Each interview participant has been elected to a leadership position in music education, with representation at the local, state, and national levels. Participants will be asked to describe their views on leadership, such as (a) motivations for leadership, (b) the role of the leader, (c) the role of the follower, (d) the ideal structure of leadership, (e) what is valued in leadership, and (f) how leadership activity interacts with teaching activity. Themes identified from responses will be compared and contrasted as they relate to generational characteristics