Educational issues, Vol. 6 No. 2, 2023.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53577/oot.6.2.2
Musical abilities of primary school students in the context of the influence of age, gender, and active music playing
Jasna Šulentić Begić
orcid.org/0000-0003-4838-0324
; Akademija za umjetnost i kulturu u Osijeku
*
Amir Begić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2152-9563
; Akademija za umjetnost i kulturu u Osijeku
Katarina Šarić
orcid.org/0009-0008-7674-4176
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The development of musical skill is influenced by various elements, including upbringing, educational experiences, hereditary traits, environmental conditions, gender, and age. Irrespective of the extent of genetic predispositions and the level of environmental facilitation in the formation of musical aptitude, effective engagement with the offspring of educational professionals can exert a substantial impact on the enhancement of children’s musical talents. Premature and unskilled evaluations of musical ability have the potential to impede the progress of musical development. As part of the present study, research was carried out throughout the academic year of 2022-2023. The primary objective of this research was to assess the musical aptitude of students in the second, fourth, and sixth grades within a standard general education institution. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted to explore potential variations in musical abilities based on sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and active engagement in musical activities. The findings of the study indicate that students exhibit a higher level of proficiency in rhythm than in intonation and melody. This observation holds true both in instances where students were required to sing a self-selected song and when they were assessed on their rhythm and intonation skills using provided samples. Moreover, it has been observed that children exhibit a higher level of effectiveness in the memorisation of melodic phrases as opposed to melodic-rhythmic phrases. Nevertheless, the findings from the musical memory test indicate a general deficiency, which can be attributed to the absence of a qualified music instructor inside the educational institution where the study took place. It is postulated that, due to similar circumstances, pupils in the second grade attained the most favourable outcome in terms of academic performance. In all aspects of the test, girls demonstrated more success when compared to boys. The findings of the study indicate that students who engaged in extracurricular musical activities demonstrated superior performance on the musical ability assessment.
Keywords
musical abilities; elementary school; music lessons; students; quality music teaching
Hrčak ID:
312090
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2023.
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