Effects of Teacher Approval and Disapproval of Music and Performance Familiarity on Middle School Students' Music Preference

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of approvals and disapprovals about the music from the teacher and rehearsal familiarity on the students' preference for the music. Eight middle schools participated in the study with students (N = 440) ranging from sixth to eighth grade. Each of the eight schools was assigned a different treatment condition. Teachers were given either one or two pieces to rehearse with their most advanced level band while giving treatment comments (approval, disapproval, or instruction only) that were provided in a score. Teachers rehearsed the piece(s) for a total of five rehearsals. After the fifth rehearsal, students were given a listening survey to rate their preference for six examples of band music including the two pieces that were used in the study. Students also rated their preference for performing the treatment pieces and were ask to choose one for possible performance. The results of this study indicate that the treatment conditions had a significant effect on both listening and performance preferences. Approval was not significantly different than instruction only or no experience, but significantly different than disapproval in both pieces. The approval condition increased the students' reported music preference more than the disapproval condition. Students who experienced the music through rehearsal rated the music significantly higher than music that was not rehearsed. In cases where both treatment pieces were rehearsed in class, students tended to have the same amount of preference for both pieces, regardless of treatment. Results of this study could be useful to music educators to increase student preference for music performed in class and to improve the music classroom experience. Future research should incorporate actual concert music and include concert performance as a factor that influences music preference.