Leslie Wong Kah Ho

A Pilot Study on Motivations of Amateurs in the Community Saxophone Ensemble in Singapore

Introduction

A pilot study on motivations of amateurs in the community saxophone ensemble in singapore. Explore motivations of amateur saxophone ensemble members in Singapore. This pilot study reveals intrinsic factors drive long-term music participation, offering strategies for ensemble recruitment and retention.

Abstract

Through the realization of The Singapore Band Project, Singapore has developed a thriving wind music initiative in school music education and ensemble playing training. Nevertheless, the problem of engaging participants in music-making beyond their school remains a critical issue, as in most cases, only about 10% of each cohort continues to be engaged in the activity. This pilot study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the musicians of two single-instrument ensembles in Singapore: The Protégé Saxophone Ensemble and the Music Elements Saxophone Ensemble. The demographic data and ongoing engagement motivational factors are as follows. The study evaluates the Motivators of Continued Participation as outlined by Krause in her 2020 study and the hierarchy of these Motivators through sentiment scoring. The findings reveal that intrinsic motives are the most significant for long-term engagement and continued participation in music making during emerging adulthood. The results aim to provide recommendations for developing sustainable recruitment and retention strategies to support music ensembles and continue growing the vibrant music community in Singapore. Therefore, this study helps to close the gap between academic music education and adult music participation, emphasizing the necessity of an individualized program approach.

Review

This pilot study addresses a pertinent challenge in music education and community engagement: the significant drop-off in musical participation once individuals leave formal schooling, a problem keenly felt in Singapore despite its robust school wind music initiatives. The authors have set out to investigate the underlying motivations for continued engagement among amateur musicians in the adult community setting. Focusing on two single-instrument saxophone ensembles in Singapore, The Protégé Saxophone Ensemble and the Music Elements Saxophone Ensemble, the study employs a quantitative approach to map demographic data and ongoing engagement factors, providing valuable insights into a critical aspect of lifelong music-making. The methodology centers on evaluating the "Motivators of Continued Participation," a framework established by Krause (2020), utilizing sentiment scoring to establish a hierarchy of these motivators. This structured approach allows for a systematic analysis of what drives sustained involvement. The central finding, that intrinsic motives are the most significant factor for long-term engagement during emerging adulthood, is particularly noteworthy. This result not only corroborates existing literature in related fields but also underscores the necessity for music programs to cultivate and leverage internal drives rather than solely external incentives to foster lasting musical participation beyond formal education. Ultimately, this pilot study makes a valuable initial contribution by shedding light on the complex interplay of factors influencing adult amateur musicians. Its findings have clear implications for developing more effective and sustainable recruitment and retention strategies for community music ensembles, aiming to foster a more vibrant and enduring music community in Singapore. By emphasizing the importance of an individualized program approach, the research offers a practical direction for bridging the gap between academic music education and adult participation. While a pilot, this work provides a strong foundation for future, larger-scale studies across diverse instruments and contexts, further solidifying our understanding of motivational dynamics in lifelong music engagement.

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