“Once We Found Our Groove,. . .”: A Study of Preservice Music Teachers Engaged in a Popular Music Education Experience

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to examine the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing informal learning practices through popular music education for preservice music teachers. Specifically, we sought to understand why and how preservice music educators would perceive benefits and challenges from their experiences in a modern band. We conducted a study with five preservice music teachers in a modern band outside of the curriculum in a music teacher education program. We collected the data for 9 weeks, gathering multiple interviews, participants’ written responses, artifacts, and researchers’ field notes. Three overarching themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) a self-navigating process of aural-based learning, (b) autonomy with freedom, and (c) reflective educators. Our findings indicated that the ultimate goal of informal learning practices in music teacher education may not be limited to mastering musical skills but should include improving problem solving and classroom decision making.