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Publication
Specialized artistic education in music : what is the influence on academic achievement, controlling for socioeconomic status and intelligence?
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The relationship between learning music and academic achievement has been discussed
in numerous contexts. According to the literature, students involved in learning music
obtain higher results in several school subjects. This study intends to examine the
influence of musical training on the academic performance of pupils in schools
providing specialized artistic education, controlling for socioeconomic status and
intelligence. We analyzed the composite academic achievement score and the average
marks in nine school subjects in the 7th grade. The sample is composed of 62 pupils who
were enrolled in Specialized artistic education in music and 50 pupils following General
basic education, in schools in Portugal. Results indicated higher academic achievement
in students following Specialized artistic education in music regarding seven of nine
school subjects: Portuguese, English, History, Natural Sciences, Physics and Chemistry,
Geography, and Visual Arts, but not in Mathematics or Sports. Musical training predicts
significantly academic achievement when socioeconomic status and intelligence remain
constant. Our results were discussed as contributions to corroboration of the thesis that
musical training is associated with higher academic proficiency. It is therefore hoped
this study may draw attention to the evidence that participation in music can improve
performance in various school subjects.
Description
Keywords
Specialized artistic education in music general basic education academic achievement school marks socioeconomic status intelligence
Citation
Publisher
[Bulgarian Academy of Sciences]