Two non-traditional cello methods for young beginning cello students: a mixed methods study

UnrestrictedThe purpose of this study was to compare two non-traditional methods for teaching cello to young beginners -- the Yamagata-Suzuki method and the Sharp method. Concurrent with quantitative data collection and analysis, qualitative approaches were used to find trends in the data and describe the two non-traditional cello methods for young beginning cellists. The reason for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data was to bring together the strengths of both forms of research to corroborate results. A triangulation mixed methods design, a type of design in which different but complementary data is collected on the same topic, was used.; Results confirmed that the two non-traditional methods investigated in this study used markedly different approaches in teaching cello to beginning students. Unique to the Suzuki method are emphases on repetition of learned pieces, rote teaching and learning, delayed note reading, homogenous group playing, modeling by the master teacher using a full size (adult-sized) instrument, and the taking of notes by parents during lessons. Unique to the Sharp method are emphases on movement, body mechanics, injury prevention, analytical listening by the teacher during lessons, early note reading, solo playing by students during group lessons, modeling by the master teacher using student's instrument, little to no emphasis on repetition of learned pieces, and the video recording of lessons by parents.; The results of this study found that there were relatively few similarities between the non-traditional methods. The merging of qualitative and quantitative results indicated that the two teachers agreed that young children should be taught with good foundational skills such as good posture and good tone quality. Secondly, both teachers believed in the value of listening. Thirdly, both teachers emphasized the importance of parental guidance.; As one of the goals of this study, an introductory overview of Sharp's method (especially detailed descriptions of the cello "athletics" she uses) was included