Effectiveness of Chamber Music Ensemble Experience

Abstract

A great deal of literature exists suggesting that the chamber music ensemble is a unique, stimulating medium through which to perform and study music. Many musicians feel that chamber music ensemble performance affords a satisfaction offered by no other performing medium. Despite the enthusiastic claims about the effectiveness of the chamber music ensemble experience, no previous studies have been made to formally investigate these claims. In fact, the use of chamber music ensembles in American music education programs has largely been neglected. This investigation was concerned with the effectiveness of chamber music ensemble experience for certain members of a ninth grade band and the evaluation of the effectiveness in terms of performing abilities, cognitive learnings, and attitude changes.1 Answers to the following specific questions were sought: (1) Will the experience of performing in chamber music ensembles cause significant changes in the performance abilities of its participants? (2) Will the experience of performing in chamber music ensembles cause significant changes in the participants' awareness of the history, literature, structure, and materials of music? (3) Will the experience of performing in chamber music ensembles cause positive attitude changes toward music and music participation?