Abstract
The aim of this thesis was to study the provision of Music Appreciation in Adult Education Institutes of the Inner London Education Authority from January to April 1979 and to report on the attitudes and motivation of students attending such classes. In order to present a comparative profile of students, their personal characteristics were considered, also their previous musical experiences and present musical ability. Motivation was assessed by noting the commitment given to music by each student. Musical preferences, new musical interests, and reasons for attending Music Appreciation classes demonstrated their attitudes to the subject. The data was obtained by questionnaires given to students, and discussion with tutors. Wherever possible classes were visited and observations made of available facilities. During analysis of the data which had been collected it became increasingly apparent that the role played by the tutor was the key to the success or failure of a class, therefore more emphasis has been given to the teaching of Music Appreciation than was anticipated at the beginning of this research. The findings of this study are encapsulated in Chapter Thirteen. The area of research was compact enough to enable a detailed study to be made, but for a fuller picture of the provision of Music Appreciation in the non-vocational sector of adult education comparisons need to be made between similar courses in different parts of the country and between different types of educational body. This study has provided a profile of the interrelated factors surrounding one subject taught to adults in one local education authority. Further studies could build on this information and provide a basis for the argument in favour of the expansion of adult education.