Determining factors in the career choice of music high school students

In Hungary, little attention has been devoted to the secondary level of music education, even though it is not only a transition between primary and tertiary education but also has predictive power regarding the future of music education. In our research, we surveyed students in their final year at a vocational secondary school with music specialisation using open-ended questions to investigate the factors influencing their career choice, their vision of the future, and the external and internal professional motivational factors. The questions focused on music-related career choice, practising, the attraction of a career in music, motivations for persevering, and the factors and people strengthening self-confidence. According to the respondents, healthy self-confidence and adequate motivation constitute an inevitable basis and source of professional success. Motivation is best derived from the positive feedback of the environment and the experience of success. Due to the individualised instruction in music education, the main subject teacher plays a decisive role, often influencing not only students’ professional career but also their personal path. In our research, we also examined students’ perception of the ideal main subject teacher. Students’ recognition of a main subject teacher is enhanced by personalised attention, setting realistic expectations to the student, exemplary professional knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Based on their professional experience and perceptions, students also commented on the qualities required from a musician and the personal meaning of music. According to the responses, the best characteristics of a musician are perseverance, humility, and diligence, whereas music is a means of self-expression, which provides relaxation, serenity, and refuge.