The Perspectives of Two First-Generation College Students Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Music Education

Martina Vasil, Joyce M. McCall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this autoethnographic multiple case study was to compare experiences of two first-generation college students pursuing doctoral degrees in music education. Motivations for pursuing an advanced degree were to enact change in the field of music education and fulfill personal ambitions. Participants encountered two challenges, insufficient cognitive maps and inadequate familial support, which contributed to financial difficulties and health issues. Support networks inside and outside of their music education doctoral programs facilitated degree attainment. Participants lacked the cultural capital needed to navigate higher education because of their first-generation status. Instead, participants employed several forms of community cultural wealth: social, navigational, resistant, and familial capital. Through examining each other’s experiences, we offer suggestions for preparing and supporting a more diverse group of future music teacher educators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)67-81
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Music Teacher Education
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2018

Keywords

  • Autoethnography
  • Bourdieu
  • Community cultural wealth
  • Cultural capital
  • Doctoral
  • First-generation college student
  • Mentorship
  • Music education
  • Yosso

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Music

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Perspectives of Two First-Generation College Students Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Music Education'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this