Date
12-2021
Department
School of Music
Degree
Doctor of Music Education (DME)
Chair
Samantha Miller
Keywords
personality, singer personality, myers briggs, personality types
Disciplines
Music
Recommended Citation
Donnell, Jennifer Nicole, "Valuing Personality Type Differences and Maximizing the Artistic Potential of Early-Career-Stage Singers" (2021). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 3333.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3333
Abstract
Personality type differences color the ways in which voice students learn, practice, interpret music, relate to their teachers and coaches, and choose careers within the field of music. The Singing in Color Research Study is a qualitative study that examines the impact of personality type on the education, leadership, and career decisions of early-career vocal students. The study is built on the premise that individual differences “color” the way in which we as individuals see the world, behave, learn, and thus affect the creativity and artistry of the singer. It is proposed that music educators can leverage personality type theory to enhance their teaching style and can impact the leadership styles and career decisions of early-career voice students. Examination of the Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator helped instruct voice teachers in the most effective methods for pinpointing differences in student learning styles, engagement triggers, communication preferences, and potential “fit” in certain musical fields. Key findings will be applied to the classroom practices and mentorship approaches of vocal music educators, while also driving greater self-awareness among aspiring young singers. The proposed research solution for this study is a qualitative study leveraging the MBTI instrument along with a specially designed survey to gather information pertaining to grade level, voice part, and level of musical involvement. Early career vocalists, age 16 to 25, with at least 1 year of singing experience, who are enrolled in a college music program, study with a private voice teacher, or intend to pursue music as their college major or minor, will be targeted for participation. Survey results highlighted that a significant relationship between personality and the abovementioned outcomes does in fact exist.
