The Influences of Environment on the Music Preferences of Children with and without Disabilities

• Other Authors: Hirano, Madoka (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4029

The purposes of the study were to: (1) to investigate the musical preferences of children with and without disabilities, (2) to better understand the musical environments in which children with and without disabilities listen to music, (3) to determine the extent to which children with and without disabilities participate in different music activities in or outside of school, and (4) to determine whether parents of children with disabilities identify the musical preferences of their children differently than their children do. Participants (N = 497) in the study included parents of children who attend a regular school in Japan (n = 382), children who attend a special education school in Japan (n = 107), and their parents (n = 107). Two survey questionnaires addressing the purposes of the study were administered to participants. Results indicate that Japanese children with disabilities prefer to listen to songs from TV shows for children, nursery rhymes, Enka, and jazz significantly more than children without disabilities, while children without disabilities prefer to listen to cartoon songs and Japanese Pop music. The study revealed that more than one third of children with and without disabilities listen to music with either parent(s) or grandparent(s). Additionally, children without disabilities are more likely to listen to music with a sibling(s) and/or friend(s) than are children with disabilities—a result perhaps of their social isolation. There were no significant differences between children with and without disabilities and the musical activities in which they engage. Results also indicated that children with disabilities prefer Japanese Pop music more than their parents realize. Clinical implications for the study are the need for music therapists: (1) to attend to the musical differences between children with and without disabilities, (2) to be attune to the musical preferences of children with disabilities, and (3) to not rely on parental reports of children's musical preferences, but rather, to attend to verbal expressions, or when necessary—nonverbal indicators of children's musical preferences. === A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy. === Fall Semester, 2010. === October 29, 2010. === Music Preference Children Disabilities === Includes bibliographical references. === Alice-Ann Darrow, Professor Directing Thesis; Jayne M. Standley, Committee Member; Dianne Gregory, Committee Member.