Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (PhD)

Chair

Nathan Street

Keywords

Bullying, Secondary Choral Ensemble, Student Perspective

Disciplines

Education | Music

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative non-experimental research study was to examine the prevalence, type, and impact of bullying within secondary choral ensembles from the student perspective. Using a slightly modified version of the Swearer Bully Survey, data were collected from a convenience sample of 100 high school students. Initially, responses were to come from several high schools throughout the State of Maine. Due to challenges in survey administration, the researcher received permission to collect responses via social media and expanded recruitment to a national audience. The study employed a cross-sectional design and utilized Google Forms and Tally for data collection. The survey instrument measured students’ experiences with bullying as victims, witnesses, and perpetrators. Upon Institutional Review Board approval, data were gathered anonymously with parental consent and student assent and analyzed using SPSS. Statistical procedures included chi-square tests of independence, one- sample t-tests, and descriptive statistics. Results showed a significantly higher prevalence of bullying in choral ensembles compared to national high school averages, particularly exclusion, physical aggression, threats, and property damage. A significant association was found between being bullied and reduced participation in class activities such as solo singing and conducting (χ²(1) = 4.57, p = .033). While descriptive trends suggested assertive coping strategies might reduce future bullying, the sample was insufficient to draw inferential conclusions. The findings indicate ensemble-based music education may involve peer dynamics that facilitate bullying. This study contributes to literature on bullying in performance-based classrooms and recommends further mixed-methods research and targeted professional training for ensemble directors.

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