Date
12-16-2025
Department
School of Music
Degree
Doctor of Music Education (DME)
Chair
Lori J. Danielson
Keywords
Band directors, motivation, retention, rural, suburban, urban, low socioeconomic areas
Disciplines
Education | Music
Recommended Citation
Benson, Brandon Jay, "Motivating and Retaining Alabama Band Directors: A Comparison of Rural, Suburban, and Urban Band Directors" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7839.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7839
Abstract
Despite existing challenges in rural, suburban, and urban communities, band directors face a lack of motivation due to burnout and insufficient resources. This study examines the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors who teach in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Guided by a correlational research design, this mixed-method research study identifies motivational factors that still need to be explored to highlight the motivational factors that drive band directors to continue teaching in their current Alabama communities. This study explores the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors based on their responses to a Likert-type survey and emailed interview questionnaire. Motivational factors for this study include teacher salary, facilities, instrument inventory, teaching materials, administration, parental support, student involvement, class size, cost of living, family, community, daily commute, time management, ability to build relationships, personal school experience, and professional development opportunities. Specifically, this study aims to identify the motivational factors that current Alabama band directors consider vital in their current teaching role. Correlational research will guide the motivational factors and variables between rural, suburban, and urban band directors. Along with understanding the motivational factors that support teaching retention, this study will provide an opportunity to advocate for increased funding and support for Alabama band directors, enabling them to be more successful in their teaching, and to help raise awareness for current and future band directors in job selection. Ultimately, this study aims to enhance music education for students throughout Alabama and provide administrators and policymakers with valuable data to support the retention of highly qualified band directors in their communities.
