| A quantitative study was designed to find an association between instrumental instruction, specifically, strings and orchestra on academic achievement in reading and mathematics. The problem is principals and educators spend great amounts of time trying to raise standardized test scores and enhance student achievement while ignoring curriculum that may be most helpful in accomplishing this goal. The purpose of the study was to examine Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) performance for the freshman class of 2013 in a mid-western public school district to determine if instruction on a stringed instrument made a positive difference in reading and math scores over a period of six years. MAP scores in reading and math were analyzed utilizing an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for Grades 3 through 8 who participated in an orchestra program with those who elected not to continue after the third grade required year. Results showed that orchestra students had a significantly higher rate of achievement in areas of reading and math. By highlighting an exceptional orchestra program administrators can conceive a more critical view of the benefits of playing in an orchestra and re-evaluate its contribution to school curriculum. |
