Various aspects shaping motivation to learn music in school

Abstract

The study deals with learning motivation related to Music classes at school. It involved 140 grade 7 students from eight elementary schools who filled out a questionnaire. The study focuses on students’ attitudes towards Music classes as well as on various musical activities performed on Music classes. In Hungary, classroom singing has a prominent role in music education, therefore special attention was paid to students’ attitudes towards singing. Results suggest that grade 7 students have quite negative attitudes towards Music classes. They do not like singing, and they are not interested in sight-reading and listening to music either. There are significant differences between the attitudes of girls and boys; girls’ attitudes are generally better, however, they still cannot be considered positive. There are considerable differences between school classes, which draws the attention to the role of teachers and the class as a group in shaping attitudes. Family background does not seem to influence the attitudes towards Music classes. However, students’ preference to sing as well as their beliefs with regard to musical development play a decisive role.