A Self-Instructional Program for Musical Concept Development in Preschool Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to devise and evaluate a self-instructional program for the development of three musical concepts—pitch, duration, and loudness—in preschool children. Programed materials that included cassette tapes and illustrated books were developed. The response modes required of the children included drawing circles and lines, playing various musical instruments, and turning a page when a castanet was heard.

Sixty-two preschool children participated in the study. The results indicated that: (1) the subjects in the experimental groups were able to learn the concepts of pitch, duration, and loudness as measured by a preschool musical concepts test; (2) preschool children easily acquired the concept of loudness, but pitch and duration seemed more difficult for them to perceive; and (3) the subjects' reactions to the program, especially their desire to return each day, indicated that self-instructional materials can be developed that will hold the attention of preschool children.