Beginning classroom music: an investigation into musical experience and achievement during the first six months of formal schooling
Degree Type:
MEd
Degree Specialism:
Music Education
Supervisor(s):
Mr Séan Mac Liam
Thesis Status:
Accepted
Date Submitted / Accepted:
June 2000
Institution Submitting / Submitted To:
St. Patricks College, DCU
No. of Volumes (no. of pages):
1
Thesis Location / Link:
Cregan Library, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
THESIS CONTENT
Key Issues / Concepts:
Music teaching and learning, musical development in children, musical ability and assessment
Abstract:
This study is an investigation into the musical experience and achievement of children during the first six months of formal schooling. The aim of the study is to contribute to the oval understanding of music education and musical development at this level. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used in this piece of research. Qualitative data on musical experience was obtained through observations of the children during music classes over a six-month period. Musical achievement was quantified by assessing the children at point of entry to formal schooling and again six months later. The study also focuses on the role of the teacher in providing appropriate musical instruction and encounters as well as the children’s responses to music teaching and learning.
The main findings of the research were:
1. The junior infant stage is an important time for developing the following musical concepts and skills:
· The ability to match pitches and to sing in tune
· Melodic discrimination
· Tonal memory
· Rhythmic discrimination
· Rhythmic memory and the imitation of rhythmic patterns
· Anticipation in music
2. Children in the junior infant class have a vocal range greater than is generally believed
3. 10% of children, at point of entry to formal schooling, do not (or scarcely) sing at all in tune
4. There is significant gender difference in willingness to sing to others
Gender-instrument associations still exist for some orchestral instruments
St. Patricks College, DCU 