Where in the world are we? : how the perceptions of Australian primary teacher education students differ from those from four other countries in relation to their background and confidence in music education

This study, a result of international cooperation, is part of a larger study on students' attitudes. The study, Creative Arts National and Overseas Associated (CASANOVA), involves 939 preservice non-specialist primary school student teachers (82 percent females and 18 percent males) from five countries (Australia, Namibia, South Africa, United States and Ireland). Initially the study identifies the students' perceptions of their background and abilities in relation to music and music education. Secondly, it examines if there is a difference between male students, and female students' perceptions of their own background and confidence in music and music education. Results indicated that only about 20 percent of the students felt they had a good music background and male responses were generally similar to the females' responses. There were significant differences between countries in relation to both musical background and confidence in relation to music education. Based on the results of this survey, suggestions are made to enhance the teaching of music education in Australia and overseas.