Influence of Instrumental Proficiency on Aural Acuity amongst Secondary School Music Students in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2022-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Observation has shown that students who engage in playing musical instruments show inclination to fairly superior performance in aural skill tasks. Is there a relationship between proficiency in playing musical instruments and aural acuity? This study investigated whether proficiency in playing musical instruments influences aural acuity amongst music students in secondary schools in Kenya. The rationale was to draw the attention of music curriculum designers and developers to the importance of skill development in playing musical instruments in helping to enhance attainment of aural ability among learners. Nairobi County was used as a representative site of data for the entire population of music students in Kenya. The study employed the Learning Modality theory as postulated by Swassing, Barbe and Milone. Survey design was used to confirm, validate and corroborate findings on the influence proficiency in playing musical instruments has on aural acuity among students. The target population constituted the music instructors and music students. Random sampling was used to select seven (7) out of the Twenty-three (23) schools that offer music as a subject in Nairobi County. Purposive stratified sampling was used to choose fifteen (15) music students from each of the randomly selected school. All music teachers from the selected schools were included in the study. This study sample represented 30% of the entire population. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Through a pilot study, the instruments were tested in three (3) schools in Nairobi County which were selected randomly. Twelve (12) students from each of the selected pilot study schools were used. The instruments were tested for reliability and a 0.7 or higher alpha index was considered acceptable for internal consistency. Data was coded in consideration of the interrelatedness of responses. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and presented in tabular forms containing the number of responses per item (frequency) and the percentage of each response with graphs. Correlation analysis was used to test the strength of the relationship between instrumental proficiency and aural acuity. Qualitative data was analyzed using manual thematic analysis technique. The results indicate that instrumental proficiency through the practical skills and basic skills portrayed a strong and positive association with aural acuity. The study concluded that learners who play musical instruments also perform better on aural tasks. The study recommends that secondary school music curriculum should be designed to realize the potential of learner ability in attaining aural acuity. Moreover, music teachers should use an integrated strategy where most music lessons are planned ahead of time to allow for a variety of linked but not segmented musical activities. Successful Music instruction leads to the development of musical comprehension, musical skills, appreciation, and other musical learning traits that are associated with a musically educated individual.
Description
A research thesis submitted to the school of creative and performing arts, film and media studies in fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of master of music education kenyatta university, November 2022
Dr. Clenice Owino
Dr. Henry Wanjala