Date of Award
2-16-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy and Liberal Studies
First Advisor
Naoki Hakutani
Abstract
Composition is a vital aspect of music and music education. However, it is scarcely taught in elementary music classrooms. Can composition be taught to elementary students and will it be an enjoyable activity for them? Can instructors use compositions as a form of assessment? This research seeks to answer these questions through an original research study. Elementary students in grades 2-5 were taught composition and wrote two songs for the piano. These songs along with survey responses revealed that students are able to write compositions for the piano, that they want to learn more about song writing, and that each student possesses a unique song writing style. The compositions are also insightful assessment tools for the instructor, revealing student knowledge, learning style, and creativity. The compositions are a learning activity and an assessment activity at the same time.
Recommended Citation
Griffin, Natalie Frances, "Integrating Composition in Music Education for Grades 2-5: An Interdisciplinary Study" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 340.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/340
