Exploring the experiences of three teachers at a summer youth music camp: "As positive for the faculty as it is for the kids"

Abstract

The purpose of this single case study ethnography was to explore the experiences of three music teachers at a summer youth music camp (SYMC) at a large university outside a metropolitan area on the East Coast. This exploration was intended to investigate the following research questions: (a) Why did the participants choose to participate in SYMC, (b) How did the participants benefit from participation in SYMC, and (c) How did the experiences of the participants relate to the professional and nonprofessional aspects of SYMC? Data analysis revealed two major themes: nonprofessional aspects of participation and professional aspects of participation. The professional aspects of camp were of more benefit to the participants and were a stronger motivation for participation than the nonprofessional aspects. The results of the present study held implications for SYMC as a learning community and as an opportunity for professional development for music teachers.