How to motivate in Music classes

Abstract

Music class is one of the unpopular school subjects among Hungarian students. The study explores whether students’ motivation to music can be enhanced by changing the classroom methods. The first part of the paper summarizes the system and characteristics of music education in Hungary. The second part focuses on the issue of increasing learning motivation. More specifically, it seeks to answer the following question: if it is possible to increase learning motivation in Music classes, then what methods are available to reach this aim? The paper offers drama education, cooperative learning techniques, project method, problem-based learning and use of digital devices as possible options. Middle school observations as well as students’ feedback all suggest that these methods motivate students in Music classes.