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Abstract: The purpose of this article is to outline the common personality traits of musicians, and explore bow educators can more effectively teach their student musicians based on these traits. Research and studies done on the personality traits of musicians are examined from different points of view, such as choice of instrument and choice of musical ensemble. The various questionnaires used to collect results, such as the 16 Personality Factor questionnaire and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, are explained. Common personality traits of high school band, choir and orchestra students will be identified and defined, and suggestions are made to educators on how to adapt lessons and assessments to help these students to achieve.
Introduction
The connections and associations between understanding students' method of learning and effective teaching practices has long been understood in the educational world. Theorists such as Howard Gardner have created entire systems for understanding how individual students learn. Understanding students' personality types can also "help teachers motivate students by embracing students' preferences and interests, and this knowledge also may inform instructional practice and assessment strategies through an understanding of how students with certain personalities are likely to behave individually and as members of a group" (MacLellan, pg. 88).
This article begins with an examination of studies that determine common personality traits of musicians. Next, research and studies examining the personality traits of musicians will be explored from various points of view, such as choice of instrument and choice of musical ensemble. The following section explains the various questionnaires used to collect results, such as the 16 Personality Factor questionnaire and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Finally, the article will attempt to identify the common personality traits of student musicians, and suggest ways for educators to adapt lessons and assessments to help these students to achieve.
Comparing Musicians to Non-Musicians
Many researchers have done studies to compare the personality traits of musicians with those of their non-music peers. Gardner (1955) administered the Guilford-Zimmerman Personality Survey, which measures ten personality traits: General Activity (G), Restraint (R), Ascendance (A), Sociability (S), Emotional Stability (E), Objectivity (O), Friendliness (F), Thoughtfulness (T), Personal Relations (P), and Masculinity (M), to 279 high school musicians and 281 non-music students. He found that male musicians were less active, less...