Motivation in Music Learning within Cognitive Theories

Abstract

Abstract

            Music is the discipline that requires many aspects of learning: knowledge, skills, and expressions. Therefore, motivation is one of the most important and complex factors which

plays an essential role in supporting more effective music learning. Students who are

encouraged to learn music could possibly be driven from different types of motivation. It is

useful and meaningful for music teachers to apply knowledge about different ways of motivating students; therefore, effective music learning and teaching could be designed and conducted. To begin with, motivation can be divided into two main types: extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. Moreover, there were three group of learning theorists who presented different perspectives in motivation: behavioral theory, cognitive theory, and self theory. In this article cognitive theories in motivation, which focused on how students think about and perceive in music learning, will be specifically identified and illustrated. The cognitive theories will be divided into three different theories: Expectancy-Value Theory, Goal Theory, and Attribution Theory. This article could be helpful for music teachers to be able to implement these principles in order to support students’ motivation in music learning.