Increasing evidence points to the importance of undergraduate research in teacher education programs. Before undertaking independent research, it is essential that music education students gain exposure to a range of research skills and develop basic research competencies. In this study, I explored the influence of a semester-long collaborative research project on preservice music educators' perceptions concerning future independent research projects. Throughout the semester, I collected data on nine preservice music educators' perceptions. Additionally, I surveyed participants before and after the project. Participation in a collaborative research project focusing on exposure to research skills and guided practice applying those skills in meaningful, real-life situations appeared to have positively affected music education majors' perceptions of confidence, preparation, and enthusiasm concerning future independent research projects.