Perceptions of musicians toward their use of cognitive skills in reading music at sight: Q-methodological study

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of musicians toward their experience of the academic study of music. The study describes the views of the student, faculty, and professional musicians concerning the role of music theory and aural skills in their performing life, specifically in sight-singing music. Participants in the study consisted of 13 collegiate music majors at a variety of levels of education, 17 music educators who were currently, or had experience teaching music theory and aural skills, and 16 professional musicians who viewed themselves as performers, conductors, or composers, or a combination of the three. Q-Methodology was utilized to elicit the perceptions of the musicians. Each participant completed a Q-sort under the following condition of instruction: "What best describes your approach to sight-reading a new piece of music?" Upon completion of the Q-sort each respondent completed a demographic survey.

Findings and Conclusions: The statistical procedures used to analyze the data included correlation of Q-sorts, Q-factor analysis, and the computation of factor scores. Trial varimax rotations were performed on 2, 3, and 4 factor solutions in an attempt to maximize the explained variance of the factors. The three-factor solution was judged the best statistical and theoretical solution upon which to calculate z-scores for items on each factor. The three factors that emerged were examined and named according to the pattern of perception held by the participants loading on that factor. This study indicated that certain gaps exist in understanding among some musicians. Even greater cooperation is necessary between those working in the fields of music psychology and music theory. This cooperation is necessary to achieve the fullest understanding possible of the advance of musical cognitive skills development.