Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Keywords

Xylophone; Improvisation (Music); Child musicians;

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of reducing the number of bars available on a xylophone on the comfort level and perception of improvisation quality in elementary-aged students. Subjects were third and fourth graders with no formal instruction in improvisation, but have experienced Orff-inspired instruction that included improvisation. Students were asked to improvise on an Orff xylophone in one of four ways: (1) only the pitches F, G, and A on the xylophone while playing for eight measures, (2) all bars on the xylophone while playing for eight measures, (3) only the pitches F, G, and A on the xylophone while playing for sixteen measures, and (4) all bars on the xylophone while playing for sixteen measures. Students filled out a questionnaire following the improvisation task while the teacher recorded the length and number of bars on the xylophone for each student. Results indicated no statistical significant differences in comfort level with reduced bars. However, there was a significant interaction between the bars condition and the grade level of the students.

Year of Submission

2025

Department

School of Music

First Advisor

Kevin Droe

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (20 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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