Ethical Decision-Making in Repertoire Selection of Texas String Orchestra Directors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how string orchestra teachers in Texas make decisions on ethical issues in repertoire selection, using Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) as a guiding theoretical framework. K-12 orchestra directors (N = 72) completed the researcher-developed Ethical Repertoire Selection Questionnaire (ERSQ) online, which assessed attitudes and behaviors aligned with the moral foundations (Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity). Correlations were found between Care-Fairness and Loyalty-Authority-Purity, demonstrating some evidence for a two-dimensional framework (progressive and traditional). Suburban teachers scored higher in Fairness, while liberal-leaning teachers scored higher in Care and Fairness compared to conservative-leaning teachers. Teachers born in 1983 and later scored higher in Care and Fairness, and men scored higher in Purity and Loyalty than women. Purity items received the highest average scores. Mixed support for Care and Fairness suggests the importance of context in repertoire selection. Replication and refinement of ERSQ are recommended. Future applications of MFT can aid in understanding repertoire selection/rejection, personal moral philosophies, comparisons between music disciplines, and navigating ethical dilemmas in teaching.