Improvisation in the beginning choral rehearsal
| Author(s) | Harrington, Emma C. | |
| Date Accessioned | 2019-11-22T13:28:57Z | |
| Date Available | 2019-11-22T13:28:57Z | |
| Publication Date | 2019 | |
| SWORD Update | 2019-08-07T19:06:39Z | |
| Abstract | The purpose of this study was to explore the musical achievements and experiences of fifth- and sixth-grade students improvising in a choral setting. The research questions that guided this mixed-methods study were: (a) Does improvisation have an effect on students’ intonation, rhythm, blend, and phrasing in choral singing? and (b) Does the implementation of improvisation activities affect students’ experiences in choir? ☐ Using purposive sampling, I split my beginner fifth- and sixth-grade choir (N=36) into two equal groups, “traditional” (n=18) and “improvisational” (n=18). Both groups were taught the same piece of choral repertoire. Group A (traditional) was taught through a traditional choral model while group B (improvisational) received similar instruction with an added element of improvisation. Quantitative data were collected from rating scale scores of pre- and post-test audio recordings of the two groups. Two expert judges rated the performances using a Likert-type rating scale. Qualitative data sources were student journals (primary source), teacher-researcher journal, and focus group interviews. I used a conventional content analysis approach, allowing themes to emerge from data sources. ☐ Results from this study led to the conclusion that using improvisation in choral rehearsals has a positive effect on musical achievement, specifically blend in choral singing, as well as student experience. Chorus teachers should consider implementing improvisation as a way of engaging higher order thinking in music, increasing student and ensemble musicianship, and engaging students in the learning process. | en_US |
| Advisor | Burton, Suzanne L. | |
| Degree | M.M. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Music | |
| Unique Identifier | 1128270260 | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/24753 | |
| Language | en | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| URI | https://search.proquest.com/docview/2273838091?accountid=10457 | |
| Title | Improvisation in the beginning choral rehearsal | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |