From Practice to Perfection: Investigating the Drivers of Sustained Musical Training in Macau

Instruction of the Research project for Music Education Master: to plan, implement and report a small-scale research project with a specific topic in music education. The research should be reported in a dissertation in no less than 5000 words, which is presented in a Departmental Research Seminar.

Marking scheme:

1. The study provides a strong rationale on a critical issue relevant to music or music education.
2. The literature review contextualizes the study within the existing body of knowledge on the
   topic.
3. The research problem or issues are clearly focused and concisely stated.
4. The research design and/or methodology are appropriate for the issues being investigated.
5. English writing
6. The method of data collection and analysis is appropriate.
7. The interpretation of data or texts is appropriate.
8. The findings are discussed thoroughly with implications to theory and practice.
9. The conclusion contextualizes the findings, particularly in terms of how they relate to either
   thinking in the discipline, teaching practice or the student’s own professional development
10. The references are organized in order and correctly cited as suggested by the department.

These are the instruction for my research project, I have enclosed with my interview questions, and 7 interviewee’s answers. The introduction document includes the other parts of my research project, missing the part of results (data analysis and other thing else), discussion and conclusion, can you help me finish out my research project? 

Results (data analysis)

1. Overview of Data Collection: Briefly recap the interview process, participants, and the method of data collection as described in the methodology section.
2. Thematic Analysis:

• Themes Identified: Present the themes identified from the interviews. This could include motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), challenges, support from family and peers, educational influences, etc.
• Illustrative Quotes: Use quotes from the interviews to exemplify each theme. This provides credibility to your findings and allows the voices of your participants to be heard.
• Comparison and Contrast: Highlight any notable similarities or differences in experiences or opinions among the interviewees. This could relate to age, instrument type, or educational background.

Discussion

1. Interpretation of Findings:

• Discuss how the findings relate to the existing literature on music education cover in your literature review.
• Analyse the significance of the themes, particularly how they contribute to understanding the critical issues you are investigating in music education.

1. Implications

• Theoretical implications: how do you findings refine, extend, or challenge existing theories?
• Practical Implications: What can music educators, schools, or policymakers learn from your findings? How can they apply these insights to enhance learning and teaching practices?

1. Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study, such as sample size, participant diversity, or methodology constraints.

Conclusion

1. Summary of Key Findings: briefly summarise the main findings of your research
2. Contribution to Discipline: Explain how your findings contribute to the field of music education. Discuss any new insights or perspectives your research has introduced.
3. Recommendations for further research: suggest areas for future research that could build on your findings or address gaps that your study was not able to fully explore
4. Personal reflection: reflect on how this research project has influenced your own understanding of music education and your professional development as an educator or researcher.