THE EFFECT OF PASSIVE LISTENING ON BEGINNING STRING STUDENTS' INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how teachers of beginning string students can most effectively use the CDs now available as part of each individual student method book to improve their students' instrumental music performance level. I investigated the extent to which the inclusion of passive listening (modeled on the Suzuki listening tradition) affects the beginning string student's music performance level. The dependent variable for this study was the students' instrumental music performance achievement on the assigned test pieces from Do It! Play Strings (Smith & Froseth, 2003). The independent variable was the students' daily passive listening to selected tracks from Do It! Play Strings CD (Smith & Froseth, 2003). Data indicated that participants in the group who received the passive listening treatment scored significantly higher on overall music performance level and in all subareas than those in the control group.