The impact of virtual reality applications on music teacher candidates' music ensemble conducting skills: An analysis of the turkish national anthem

Abstract

Ensemble conducting emerges as a crucial leadership skill in music education. Conducting a choir or an orchestra requires not only technical knowledge but also effective communication and leadership abilities. In this context, providing music teacher candidates with training environments that enhance their ensemble conducting skills through virtual reality (VR) technology is considered significant for fostering long-term learning and increasing professional confidence. With this perspective, this study examines the effects of virtual reality (VR) applications on the ensemble conducting skills of music teacher candidates. A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. The study included nine music teacher candidates studying at Bursa Uludag University, Department of Music Education. Quantitative data were collected using an assessment tool developed by the researcher and analyzed through a dependent samples t-test. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that VR-supported education significantly enhances the ensemble conducting skills of music teacher candidates. Additionally, participants reported that the VR environment provided a realistic conducting experience, allowing them to develop skills such as leadership, tempo control, and dynamic management. Furthermore, it was determined that participants perceived VR technology as an effective learning tool.