Current challenges in professional music education: A case study of violin training in Mongolia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53468/mifyr.2025.5.4.1Keywords:
Violin education. Musculoskeletal Pain. Student dropout. Preventive training. Performing arts Medicine. Communication dynamics. Educational reformAbstract
Professional music training in Mongolia requires early specialization, physical endurance, and strong psychological resilience. Despite this rigorous framework, dropout rates among violin students remain exceptionally high, suggesting deeper health-related and institutional issues. This study investigates the multifactorial reasons for student withdrawal from professional violin programs, focusing on musculoskeletal strain, communication dynamics, family environment, and institutional support structures. Using a mixed-methods design, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from 35 participants, including 25 former violin students, five parents, and five teachers. Statistical analyses—correlation, t-tests, and regression—were complemented by thematic analysis of interviews and institutional records. Results identified musculoskeletal pain (particularly in the shoulder, neck, and wrist) as the strongest predictor of dropout. Physical discomfort significantly reduced practice consistency and performance confidence. Communication gaps among teachers, parents, and students further delayed recognition of problems, while unstable home environments and limited practice space contributed to declining motivation. Institutional constraints, including insufficient teacher training in injury prevention, lack of preventive health education, and inadequate documentation of withdrawal reasons, further compounded the problem. The study concludes that student dropout is not attributable to lack of talent or commitment but to the accumulation of untreated physical strain, communication breakdowns, and structural limitations. The paper recommends integrating an “Artistic Physical Education” curriculum, improving teacher training in musician health, establishing national standards for musician well-being, enhancing parent engagement, and strengthening institutional documentation systems. These reforms are essential for sustaining Mongolia’s classical music tradition while ensuring the long-term well-being of young violinists
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