Vikten av att undervisas tillsammans - En studie av pedagogers syn på gruppundervisning i piano, sett i förhållande till individuell undervisning och målsättningar inom den kommunala musikskolan.

Sammanfattning: Title: The importance of being taught together – A study of teachers' views on piano education in groups, seen in relation to individual tuition and the objectives of teaching within the Swedish Municipal School of Music. The purpose of this study is to investigate the views that piano teachers have of piano education in groups. The basis of the study is the Swedish Municipal School of Music and its goals regarding its activity and education, together with the goals the teachers themselves have set for their tuition. Theoretical background consists of: Prior research regarding instrumental education in groups; theories of the different forms of education; and the history, objectives and conditions of the Swedish Municipal School of Music. The study is based upon qualitative research derived from the hermeneutic theory and method. Interviews were used as method of data collection, and four piano teachers from different municipalities participated in the study. The results indicate that piano teachers in general have a positive view of piano education in groups and associate several benefits with the teaching method. At the same time they deem that there are certain problems associated with group teaching and voice that the individual tuition is needed, for instance in order to achieve certain goals. These results are discussed on the basis of this essay's theoretical background and from music educational aspects.