Investigation of the Relationships Between Music Perception and Music Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the levels of music perception and music performance attained by selected high school bands. The following variables were selected by analysis to determine the extent of their contribution to the relationships: music perception, music performance, music aptitude, ensemble experience, socioeconomic status, amount of instruction in music history and music theory, academic achievement, band literature performed, students' major instruments, amount of directors' teaching experience, and directors' educational backgrounds. The contest ratings earned by the selected bands were considered measures of music performance. Standardized tests used in the study were the Schimke Test of Music Perception, Drake Musical Aptitude Tests, and various academic achievement batteries. The data were submitted to a multiple regression and correlation analysis and analysis of variance.

The various analyses of the data indicated that significant relationships existed between music perception and each of the following variables: music aptitude, academic achievement, ensemble experience,- and music history and music theory instruction. Nonsignificant results were found between music perception and the following: literature ratings, directors' backgrounds, socioeconomic status, music performance, and students' major instruments.