Event Title
Choosing an HBCU: Factors for Studying Music at a Historically Black College and University
Date of Publication
3-26-2021
Document Type
Paper
Abstract / Program Notes
Several conceptual models for examining college choice have been developed over the last 50 years. They have detailed the process students take in choosing a post-secondary institution as well as how specific factors, such as financial and academic, influence their choice. Understanding those factors have influenced the admission and recruitment practices of post-secondary institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). As recent music literature has revealed a lack of diversity in music programs and professions, and the role admission and recruitment practices may have on that fact, examining the place of HBCU’s in educating a diverse population of music students is essential to the conversation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine why students chose to study music at an HBCU. Specifically, how influential were economic, college, music, race, and other factors on students’ decision to attend an HBCU? The researcher utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method design to provide quantifiable data related to the research questions while also highlighting individual voices in a semi-structured interview format. Data collection is ongoing, so results are not currently available. One limitation of this study is the inclusion of all current music majors, including upper classman, who are 3 to 4 years removed from the college choice process and whose responses may be less than accurate; nevertheless, the data will provide insight into important factors related to choosing an HBCU for music majors while revealing information that can enhance recruitment strategies of HBCU’s moving forward.
Biography
Tanya Allen is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas Southern University. Prior to joining the faculty in the fall of 2016, she observed and evaluated alternative certification teachers and provided music instruction to public school students. She completed her Master and Doctorate degrees in Music Education at Florida State University and her undergraduate degree and teacher certification at the University of New Orleans. While her role at TSU includes music education courses and observing preservice music teachers, her primary teaching responsibility is instructing non-music majors in appreciating music and other arts. Besides effectively utilizing technology in all aspects of education, her interests include open educational resources and practices in higher education and effective teacher training. She is an active member of several organizations including the National Association for Music Education and the Association of Teacher Educators.
Keywords
HBCU, music education
Choosing an HBCU: Factors for Studying Music at a Historically Black College and University
Several conceptual models for examining college choice have been developed over the last 50 years. They have detailed the process students take in choosing a post-secondary institution as well as how specific factors, such as financial and academic, influence their choice. Understanding those factors have influenced the admission and recruitment practices of post-secondary institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). As recent music literature has revealed a lack of diversity in music programs and professions, and the role admission and recruitment practices may have on that fact, examining the place of HBCU’s in educating a diverse population of music students is essential to the conversation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine why students chose to study music at an HBCU. Specifically, how influential were economic, college, music, race, and other factors on students’ decision to attend an HBCU? The researcher utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method design to provide quantifiable data related to the research questions while also highlighting individual voices in a semi-structured interview format. Data collection is ongoing, so results are not currently available. One limitation of this study is the inclusion of all current music majors, including upper classman, who are 3 to 4 years removed from the college choice process and whose responses may be less than accurate; nevertheless, the data will provide insight into important factors related to choosing an HBCU for music majors while revealing information that can enhance recruitment strategies of HBCU’s moving forward.