| This action research project examined data of students involved in instrumental music lessons and students not involved in instrumental lessons in grades 5-8. Instrumentation included examining standardized tests, a survey of student perceptions, and perceptions of three middle-level educators who considered music and non-music students regarding personal responsibility and leadership. Analysis of the data consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics using the t test and cross tabulations to compare music and non-music students' mean differences. Findings of the study revealed that MCA II math test scale scores for students in grade 5 involved in instrumental lessons were significantly higher than those of students not involved in instrumental lessons. Perceptions of students in grades 5-8 involved in instrumental lessons were also significant in several areas. Results of this study provide information for students, teachers, parents, and administrators regarding music instruction and the role it plays in the curriculum of public schools. |
