The Frequency of Music Improvisation Activities in the Fourth and Fifth Grade of Primary School

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the frequency of the implementation of music improvisation activities in music lessons by classroom teachers and subject teachers teaching music in the fourth and fifth grade in Slovenian primary schools. We also explored the teachers’ sense of competence to implement music improvisation activities, reasons for the infrequent inclusion of such activities and solutions for more frequent inclusion. A descriptive nonexperimental method of research was used, collecting data with a questionnaire. The study found that teachers occasionally carry out music improvisation activities, most often rhythmic improvisation. The results showed no differences between the frequency of improvisation activities between classroom teachers and subject teachers. However, subject teachers do feel more competent to perform music improvisation activities than classroom teachers and there was a weak correlation between the sense of competence and the frequency of improvisation activities in music lessons. Teachers cite a lack of time, knowledge and self-confidence as the key reasons for the infrequent implementation of music improvisation activities. They see solutions for the more frequent inclusion of music improvisation activities in additional music improvisation training and changes in the music curricula, advocating for more flexible and broadly defined learning objectives. Due to the small sample size, the results are not generalisable, but they do provide an insight into the current state of the integration of music improvisation activities in music lessons in the fourth and fifth grade of primary school.