Primary music teachers' perception of creativity and musical composition in England

Cultivating children’s creativity has been strongly highlighted in the English national curriculum. Based within this context, this research investigated English primary music teachers’ perceptions of creativity and musical composition through the use of individual interviews. Results suggested that the definition of creativity given by teachers in this study was concerned with challenging the children’s own ideas through thinking and problem solving. In addition, the main purpose of promoting creativity was seen as expressing individuality in music making class. Moreover, this study demonstrated that teachers focused on a) expressing and developing musical ideas with the use of language, b) the development of communication and social skills in the process of composition and c) the process of music making was evaluated more than the final musical product.