Formation of a modern strategy of education when learning to play the saxophone

Abstract

Over the past decades, there has been a non-linear growth of interest in jazz and classical music in Russia, which actualizes the question of learning to play the saxophone in higher educational institutions of the country. In the context of globalization and integration of cultural practices, there is an urgent need for the formation of a modern educational strategy focused on a high level of professionalism. As part of this work, a comprehensive analysis of the curricula of 35 universities of the Russian Federation engaged in the training of musicians, including saxophonists, was carried out. Archival data on the results of final exams, interviews with teachers and graduates, as well as reviews of concert programs performed in the period from 2015 to 2021 are analyzed. The main motive of the research is the noted trend of increasing interest in playing the saxophone in Russia. According to the data of the Russian Statistical Institution, over the period from 2015 to 2020, the number of students studying saxophone in Russian universities increased by 27.3%. In parallel, there has been an expansion of the range of available educational programs offered by universities. But, despite the expansion of the range, the effectiveness of educational strategies remains a debatable issue. Recent studies conducted within the framework of a methodological approach based on the analysis of Scopus and Web of Science data have revealed a discrepancy between the methods used and the expectations of students, which is confirmed by quantitative indicators — the average score on final exams does not exceed 4.2 on a 5-point assessment scale. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using machine learning methods to identify correlations between the level of training and the training methods used. The analysis revealed the inefficiency of some traditional methods and proposed a new model of educational strategy, including elements of distance learning, master classes from the world's leading musicians and interactive technologies.