SYNTHESIS OF RESEARCH ON THE OVERVIEW OF STUDIES ON ORCHESTRAS AND EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Orchestras stand as a testament to the evolving landscape of Western music and compositional techniques, transcending their primary role as purveyors of entertainment to embody significant cultural and societal functions. Beyond the concert hall, the educational mission of orchestras has been a longstanding and vital aspect of their existence. This commitment is particularly evident in the tradition of Children's Concerts, which emerged in the early 20th century. These performances were instrumental in fostering an early appreciation for classical music among younger generations, establishing a practice that continues to thrive. Today, numerous professional orchestras across the Western world actively champion and support diverse educational initiatives, recognizing the profound impact they can have on individuals and communities. In the Thai context, while orchestras are a subject of some academic inquiry, existing research predominantly utilizes them as sample groups or focuses on management-related issues. Although a handful of studies touch upon educational aspects, a preliminary investigation reveals a notable gap: there is a distinct absence of systematic review research specifically dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between orchestras and education. This identifies a critical area for further scholarly exploration. Consequently, the present research endeavors to bridge this gap by meticulously synthesizing the existing body of knowledge on this topic through a rigorous systematic review methodology, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview and establish a foundation for future inquiry into the educational contributions of orchestras.

Methods: This study employs a systematic literature review to examine the overall landscape and status of studies linking orchestras with educational activities. The goal is to generate knowledge useful for developing future educational programs by orchestras. The researchers conducted a literature search through Chulalongkorn University's EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). The inclusion criteria were academic journal articles and theses/
dissertations published between 2020 and 2024 (a 5-year period) to ensure the recency and modernity of the research. The keywords used for the search were “Orchestra and Education,” with the condition that both terms must appear in the abstract to specifically target studies focusing on educational activities organized by orchestras. Initial search results yielded 1,894 studies. After applying the defined screening criteria, 9 relevant studies were selected for in-depth analysis. The collected data was then synthesized across three main dimensions: basic research information, research objectives, and research methodology, utilizing descriptive statistics for data analysis.

Results: The synthesis of 9 studies on orchestras and education revealed several key findings. The majority of the studies (N=4; 44.45%) were published in 2024, with the primary context (N=3; 33.34%) being Australia, while the remainder originated from Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, and South Korea. The main objective of most studies (N=6; 54.55%) was to “study” the role of orchestras in education, followed by “exploring” (N=4; 36.36%). This reflects that many scholars are still in the process of understanding the fundamental aspects of orchestra involvement in educational projects. Additionally, some studies aimed to assess program impact, analyze program effectiveness in promoting learning outcomes, and examine the relationship between orchestra participation and social development. Regarding research methodology, the majority of the reviewed studies (N=7; 77.78%) employed qualitative research methods, indicating a trend towards in-depth exploration of experiences and perspectives related to orchestra education. Interviews were the most frequently used qualitative tool (N=6; 42.86%), alongside surveys, participant observation, and document analysis to gain insights into orchestra education practice s. This systematic literature review highlights that orchestras are not merely performing entities for entertainment; they also serve as significant educational spaces. Many orchestras globally are currently adapting their roles by offering high-quality performances alongside educational activities to enhance audience knowledge and reach diverse groups. Furthermore, orchestra educational programs play a crucial role in promoting social equity and community engagement. Several studies indicate that these programs contribute significantly to achieving social goals such as reducing disparities in music education, enhancing quality of life, and providing musical opportunities for underprivileged youth. This aligns with efforts to use music as a tool for social change, particularly through youth orchestras and community music programs. Collaboration between orchestras and educational institutions is also highly important, with many studies emphasizing how these partnerships significantly support music education curricula, professional development for musicians, and audience engagement.

Conclusions: Orchestras play a vital role in music education and community engagement, with many now prioritizing educational programs as a core mission. Future research should focus on developing innovative teaching models, assessing the long-term impact of orchestra-based education, and exploring the role of digital technology in expanding music learning opportunities. This research aims to serve as a guide for educators, musicians, policymakers, and researchers interested in promoting the educational role of orchestras, and to foster a deeper understanding of how orchestras can continue to evolve as comprehensive centers for music learning, reaching all groups and ages in the future, thereby solidifying their place as dynamic cultural and educational institutions for generations to come.