The impact of music education reforms on the student at primary level

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to look at the current music education reforms in the Maltese primary sector. It seeks to explore the impact of these current changes on both young learner and teacher. This was done mainly through an exploration of past music educational practices vis-à-vis current modes of learning. The investigation was carried out via interviews with the President of Malta Association of Music Educators (MAME), primary teachers, Heads and pupils from five different state schools, from five different colleges across Malta and Gozo, using the qualitative method as the main research technique Other research was carried out through observations of Music lessons conducted by different Music teachers, focusing on the teacher's methodological and pedagogical approaches (with special references to modes of assessment and differentiated teaching) and the students' feedback to these learning situations. Such observation sessions were done in various classes in order to get a better insight. This study is backed up by both primary and secondary sources. A study of the current Maltese Music programme in relation to syllabi followed by other countries consolidates the arguments investigated in this dissertation. From such research, it is concluded that the on-going Music education reforms do have a positive impact on the Maltese primary student. Research shows that they have been a great step towards a better quality in Music education and eventually, encourage more pupils to take a musical career later on in life.