Perceptions and experiences of preservice music educators working with students with disabilities: A mixed methods inquiry of online field experiences within a music for special education course

Music teacher preparation programs typically provide preservice music educators (PMEs) experiences working with many student populations, including students with disabilities. Researchers have shown the positive impact field experience and coursework has on PMEs preparation to teach music to students with disabilities (SWD). Yet, few music education programs provide PMEs with experiences teaching SWD. The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to examine the influence of a 6-week online field experience, in combination with content-specific coursework, on PME’s perceptions related to teaching music to SWD. From pretest to posttest, participants reported a significant decrease in these perceptions. In subsequent interviews, the authors found that participants’ perceptions may have decreased due to feelings of inadequacy and the desire for more experience. Participants stated that the field experience was the most meaningful part of the course overall. Implications for preservice music teacher education are discussed.