ABSTRACT
This chapter examines two kinds of small group work: “supervised” – guided by a supervisor, such as a teacher or facilitator; and “unsupervised” – self-managed or without supervisory input. In the first context, theoretical insight into supervisory work is provided through discussion of leadership styles and the practice of facilitation. Empirical evidence is examined according to three principal areas of research: composing and songwriting with young people; singing and performing with students and adults; and general music-making with older people. In the second context, the functioning of small unsupervised groups is addressed with emphasis on issues of leadership, teamwork, communication and peer-to-peer learning. The discussion focuses on research with small performing ensembles, such as string quartets, as examples of self-managed groups. Six key points about working with and in small groups are highlighted across the chapter: leading and facilitating needs to be flexible; time (including time management) is an important factor; ownership and independence are critical; non-verbal discourse is an effective mode of communication; individuals will assume one or more team roles in unsupervised groups; and peer interactions will allow individuals to develop shared knowledge and experiences as well as other skills.
