Attitudes towards music : a survey on children between eight and ten years of age

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to see why children choose to attend music schools, and what can be done to promote teaching and learning in the primary schools. Gender, age, geographical region, and scholastic and family backgrounds were taken into consideration. A sample of music schools and institutions (both governmental and private) from all areas around Malta and Gazo was taken, and a survey on what is being done during their music lessons, as well as the children's preferences and dislikes during such lessons were gauged. This was done through the use of questionnaires and interviews with children and music teachers respectively. From these, the attitudes towards music of children attending primary schools both in Malta and Gazo (government, private and church schools) were elicited. On the whole, a positive attitude resulted, except for the cases where lessons were uninteresting and unmotivating. Conclusions were drawn on what the children would actually like to do during their music lessons, and the importance of having a motivating music lesson, both at the music school/institution and also at the academic school they attend everyday.