Author Identifier
Date of Award
2026
Keywords
wellbeing, positive psychology, PERMAH, music education, flourishing, primary class music teaching
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Education
First Supervisor
Jason Goopy
Second Supervisor
Narelle Lemon
Abstract
Music teachers experience distinctive professional demands that are often overlooked. However, understanding the wellbeing of primary school music teachers is crucial for maintaining a strong workforce and ensuring children in Australian schools have opportunities for class music education. This study investigated the wellbeing of teachers delivering class music in Australian primary schools through an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design. Grounded in positive psychology, the research built on the PERMAH wellbeing framework and wellbeing literacy to investigate how music teachers experience, develop, and sustain wellbeing in primary school class music education contexts. This thesis with publication integrated four interrelated research articles: a PRISMA systematic review of international research on music teacher wellbeing, an article reporting on the quantitative results of a national survey of 164 Australian primary school music teachers, and two qualitative articles presenting findings from in-depth follow-up interviews with 15 participants. These research findings provided complementary insights into the current state of Australian primary school music teacher wellbeing, as well as the factors that influence wellbeing, and strategies that support it. By integrating findings from quantitative and qualitative research phases, this study offers a more nuanced and complex view of music teacher wellbeing, identifies unique factors experienced by specialist teachers, and reports how music teachers believe they can be supported. Findings offer implications and recommendations for theory, practice, and policy to elevate Australian primary music teacher wellbeing now and into the future.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 4th July 2031
Recommended Citation
Meng, H. (2026). The wellbeing of teachers delivering class music in Australian primary schools. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/xh7d-7x98