A proposed model of parental behaviours of music practice: based on music majors’ retrospective views in mainland China

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of this study is to explore how parents involve themselves in their children’s music practice. It is based on the retrospective views of Chinese collegiate students majoring in music. A total of 14 Chinese students participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The qualitative analysis in this study centred on the type and frequency of parental behaviours. The results demonstrate that each of the participants remembered their parents being involved in their music practice to varying degrees. Specific types of involvement are organised into five categories: controlling, supervising, supporting, engaging, and prohibiting. Based on the findings, a model is proposed to aid understanding of the complexity of parental behaviour of music practice in the Chinese context. A potential trajectory of parental behaviours pertinent to highly self-regulated music learners was also identified. The study suggests possible theoretical foundations for further exploration of the role of parents in music learning.