Exploring instructor-made video tutorials as educational tool for beginner trumpet learners

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the learning potential in using instructor-made video tutorials to teach beginner trumpet learners at a music centre in Pretoria, South Africa. Understanding this teaching method can be useful for trumpeters, trumpet teachers, and trumpet pedagogues, as well as those interested in the potential use of video tutorials as an educational tool. The study followed an action research design. The sampling comprised six trumpet learners from a school where the researcher teaches trumpet. These six participants willingly took part in the study. The methods of data collection, i.e. observations and semi-structured interviews, allowed for access to information that contributed towards reaching a conclusion. Once the data was collected, it was coded and ultimately organised into themes: trumpet technique, teaching and learning, and video tutorials. The findings of the study were manifold. Video tutorials were established as effective educational tools. By incorporating these video tutorials into their practice sessions, the trumpet learners could acquire knowledge that could be referred to repeatedly. Positive teaching and learning techniques allowed for the learners to grow in their technique. The problematic trumpet techniques that the learners faced could be condensed into three main topics: breathing, embouchure, and range, which could then be included in the video tutorials. Recommendations for further research include the exploration of improving instructor-made video tutorials and applying the lessons learnt from this study to further investigate the potential of video tutorials as an educational tool.