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Exploring music teachers’ perspectives on the contribution of music education to the cultivation of students’ empathy (Master thesis)

Σπανοπούλου, Ανέζα/ Spanopoulou, Aneza/ Στελέχη Εκπαίδευσης στις Επιστήμες της Αγωγής/ Educational Leadership, Management and Administration

This research examines the views of music teachers on the relationship between music education in public schools and the cultivation and development of empathy. In particular, it studies the way in which music education can function as a means of developing empathy in students in Primary and Secondary education, as well as the difficulties and challenges that arise in the Greek educational context. The research was based on a qualitative data analysis methodology and utilized semi-structured interviews with sixteen (16) music teachers currently working in Greek schools. The data analysis was carried out with the help of MAXQDA software, in order to highlight thematic categories and patterns concerning the relationship between music education and empathy. The results record the views, methodologies and educational activities of teachers that are associated with enhancing students' empathy. Music education is recognized as a powerful tool for developing empathy, as well as emotional expression and social cohesion of students in the classroom. At the same time, significant challenges were identified, such as limited teaching time, lack of logistical infrastructure and the absence of systematic training around socio-emotional skills. The research concludes that the use of collaborative and experiential music educational activities can contribute substantially to the cultivation of empathy among students at school. Furthermore, the need is underlined for the creation of a framework that supports music education in our country as a place for the development not only of artistic but also of social and emotional skills.