INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMl films the text directly fi*om the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter 6ce, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing fi'om left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy, ffigher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Infbnnalion Company 300 NorthZeeb Road, Ann Arbor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 THE UNIVERSITY OF OBCLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE THE LATE BLOOMERS PIANO CLUB: A CASE STUDY OF A GROUP IN PROGRESS A DISSERTAHON SUBMHTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY by JANE VnCHELLE CONDA Norman, Oklahoma 1997 UMI Number: 9721060 UMI Microform 9721060 Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 THE LATE BLCX3MERS PIANO CLUB: A CASE STUDY OF A GROUP IN PROGRESS A DISSERTATION APPROVED FOR THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC By E. L. Lancaster, Major Professor CoWüfi'tnilon Eugeneibnrico Jane Magrath Rogei^deout Kenneth Stephenson DISSERTAHON COMMHTEE © Copyright by J. Michelle Conda 1997 All Rights Reserved. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the following people: To Dr. Michael Langenbach, who started me on my journey of qualitative research. He understood what I wanted to do, and gave me invaluable suggestions on how to do it. To my Mend Daniel Schlagetter, who sent me the article about The Late Bloomers Piano Club, the focus group of the dissertation. He offered encouragement, an occasional nudge, and a place to stay while doing research. To Lucy Riebe, founder of The Late Bloomers Piano Club, who graciously agreed to let me into her home and organization for over a year. Her meticulous record keeping was also of profound help in the completion of the dissertation. Thanks also to Ken Riebe for being a terrific co-host. To the members of The Late Bloomers Piano Club. They didn't realize the time and energy that would be required of them when they agreed to help in my research. Still, they opened their hearts, souls and homes to me without complaint and with warmth. To Dr. E. L. Lancaster, who served as chair and major professor, I am grateful for his unwavering support and help in allowing me to take a less traveled road in music research. His enthusiasm and confidence in me helped more than he will ever know. To the members of my doctoral committee. Dr. Connie Dillon, Dr. Eugene Enrico, Dr. Jane Magrath, Dr. Roger Rideout, and Dr. Kenneth Stephenson. I was inspired by all of them even when my dissertation was just a dream. IV To Darla Eshelman, my thanks for the model she graciously provided that pulled me through many a rough spot in my writing. To the yet unborn "weejun," who kept me company during the many lonely hours in front of the computer. Finally, to my best friend and husband, Robert Conda, who learned to cook and clean and be supportive, even during the unproductive times. Without his encouragement and love, the successful completion of this degree would not have been possible. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES.....................................................................xi ABSTRACT............................................................................................................ xii CHAPTER Page I. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................1 Rationale ........................................................................................................ 4 Purpose of the Study...................................................................................6 Procedure....................................................................................................... 6 Limitations .................................................................................................... 9 Definition of Terms ...................................................................................10 Organization of the Study ........................................................................16 n. RESEARCH PROCEDURE .......................................................................17 Selection of Subjects..................................................................................17 Observation Procedure .............................................................................18 Interview Procedure ..................................................................................19 Supplemental Data....................................................................................21 Research Analysis ......................................................................................23 Credibility of F indings ...........................................................................24 Multiple Sources of Data....................................................................24 Observational Data Compared with Interview Data ....................24 Private Conversations versus Public Conversations ...................25 Consistency of Information ...............................................................26 Comparing Perspectives from Different Points of View .............26 Check of Program Documents and Other Written Evidence 27 Deviant Cases .............................................................................................. 27 Evaluator Affect......................................................................................... 28 Sum m ary..................................................................................................... 30 VI CHAPTER Page m. DESCRIPTIVE DATA................................................................................ 32 Program Origins and History .................................................................. 32 Program Activities, Processes and Goals .............................................. 36 Membership Characteristics.................................................................... 38 Patty Egert.............................................................................................. 39 Darla Brinks .......................................................................................... 39 Peter Bench ............................................................................................ 39 Judy Breese ............................................................................................ 40 Donald Edwards ................................................................................... 40 Debbie Davis.......................................................................................... 41 Frank P ark ............................................................................................. 41 Tim Jenson ............................................................................................ 42 Robert Shaw .......................................................................................... 42 Mary Brighten ....................................................................................... 42 Violet Stevens ...................................................................................... 43 Mel H anson ........................................................................................... 43 Lucy Riebe.............................................................................................. 43 Carrie Hull............................................................................................. 44 Carol Fisk............................................................................................... 44 Ellen Valmar ............................ 45 David Shale ........................................................................................... 45 Sheila Shale........................................................................................... 45 Lucy's House—Home of the LBPC......................................................... 46 Description of the Findings ..................................................................... 47 Motivations for Members to Attend the LBPC ............................. 48 Factors Members Overcame to Attend the LBPC .......................... 51 The Role of Socialization in the Club's Existence ......................... 56 Member Motivations to Play the Piano .......................................... 58 The Importance of Piano in the Members' Lives ........................