GroupWork: Application and Performance Effectiveness in Musical Ensembles

Abstract

This research deeps and broadens understanding of group work and the effectiveness of achieving learning and performance benefits from collaborative taskbased activities. The focus is on the applicability of group work applied to music ensembles of mid- to large sizes. Research shows that in order to achieve working as a group, the group must pass through two phases: one, cooperation (where they agree to disagree) and two, collaboration (where they iron out their differences and disagree to agree). Based upon results and observations thus far, the key to transition from phase one to phase two is emotional intelligence, as this is the most important skill for a conductor-leader.