Using music activities to develop music skills, behavior and personality of the elderly in the Thonburi District of Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to design and create music activities by applying the guidelines for children education to develop the music skills, behavior, and personality of the elderly in the Thonburi district of Thailand and to determine the effectiveness of such activities. It also focuses on achievement among the elderly following these activities The results showed that participants’ achievement during and after participation in behavioral and personality activities which encompasses emotions and feelings, participation in the activities, assertiveness, muscle function, sight, and memory resulted in an average assessment score of 86.99 percent out of 95 percent, and their average assessment score for music skills which includes listening, singing, and movement skill; improvisation; and music expression development was 83.62 percent out of 92.33 percent. The mean score of behavior, personality, and music skills averaged 85.32 percent out of 93.66 percent, and the average achievement assessment score was 87.99 percent The results obtained from the use of music activities, which involved applying the music teaching technique for children into the different activities, showed achievement for the participants. The music teaching technique for the elderly involves teaching from an easier to harder level. Physical and mental movement is also utilized to develop the individual’s behavior and personality. Furthermore, the contents from the activities lead participants to develop their basic music skills, which also leads to the achievement of music skills. The participants could continue to improve their music skills after reaching a higher level.