Evaluating the impact of a generalist teacher-led music program on early childhood school children’s singing skills and attitudes to music

Abstract

This article reports on the impact of a generalist teacher-led music program on early childhood school children’s singing skills and attitudes to music. Singing tests and class surveys were administered to students in 11 Australian primary schools where music specialists mentored classroom teachers over the period of one to two school terms. The results show that implementing music activities in early education settings can positively impact young children’s singing skills and attitudes to music regardless of gender, ethnicity and socio-economic standing of the school. The study provides empirical evidence of the benefits accrued by children through access to music education.