ERIC Number: ED374030
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1993-Aug
Pages: 58
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
National Diffusion Network's Evaluation of the Fast Track Music System 1992-93.
Szymczuk, Michael
This document reports on an evaluation project to determine the effectiveness of the Fast Track method of instrumental music instruction as applied to beginning band instruction. The Fast Track music system is unique because it simultaneously aids both visual and aural learning by using a book and cassette tape approach to instruction. Traditional beginning band instruction is principally taught using either a book or music sheets. The Fast Track system's philosophy maintains that music gains its meaning from the relationship of rhythm to beat, and pitch to harmony; and that repetition is essential for learning. To evaluate the Fast Track music system, data were collected from three sources: (1) a survey of student background and student attitude toward music and band; (2) the Musical Achievement Test of Iowa; and (3) an individual 15-minute performance task composed of three songs with six criteria. The evaluation criteria were: (1) beginning on first beat after instruction; (2) consistent beat; (3) rhythm patterns; (4) performs correct notes; (5) observes articulation markings; and (6) tune integrity. Two Fast Track schools and two non-Fast Track schools participated in the project. A pattern of performance strengths and weaknesses emerged and may be attributed to the type of music program. Fast Track schools tended to have higher performance averages on three criteria: (1) consistent beat; (2) rhythm patterns; and (3) tune integrity. Non-Fast Track schools showed higher performance averages on performing correct notes and observing articulation markings. While clear patterns of strengths and weaknesses appeared, the differences were not sufficient to be statistically significant at the .05 level. Includes nine appendices comprised of the Musical Achievement Test of Iowa, evaluation forms, the survey instrument, music sheets and statistics. (Author/DK)
Descriptors: Bands (Music), Grade 5, Intermediate Grades, Music Education, Program Evaluation, Teaching Methods
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. National Diffusion Network.
Authoring Institution: Heartland Area Education Agency 11, Johnston, IA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A