DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS' VOCAL SKILLS THROUGH METALLOPHONE PLAYING

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to verify the studied phenomenon (playing and singing with the children's melodic musical instrument, the metallophone) and the effects it has on the development of students' vocal abilities through an experiment with parallel groups. As part of a wider study, only selected results have been used for this paper. The research sample consists of third grade primary school students, as musical literacy begins at this age. The aim of the research is to determine differences in vocal skills between the experimental and control groups, depending on whether the students play the metallophone or the recorder. Survey and test techniques were used, as well as a parallel group experiment and the descriptive method of theoretical analysis. The SPVS instrument (Scale for Assessing Vocal Abilities - Subtest I, Jeremić, 2011) was used to examine the effects of applying the methodological model. During data processing and analysis, mathematical-statistical procedures were applied - determination of frequency measures and percentages, as well as calculation of descriptive characteristics such as arithmetic mean. The obtained experimental results contribute to the implementation of lessons according to the applied model of song processing on the basis of sheet music, to greater student engagement, more intensive development of vocal abilities, musical performance skills and broader cognitive activity. In conclusion, the results highlight the need for the continued integration and development of musical activities in educational programmes in order to provide comprehensive support for students in realising their potential.