Enhancing Fundamental Skills in International Music Notation Reading through Game-Based Learning: A Case Study of First-Year Students in The Music Program

Abstract

Background and Aims: The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of developing undergraduate students’ international music notation reading skills through game-based learning and to compare these skills between the experimental and control groups.

Methodology: This study employs a quasi-experimental research design with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The participants are 30 undergraduate students majoring                       in music and music education who have no prior experience in reading international music notation. The sample is divided into two groups: 15 students in the control group and 15 students in the experimental group. The control group studied music notation reading through traditional documents and textbooks, while the experimental group developed music notation reading skills through game-based learning. Data collection instruments included pretest and posttest music notation reading assessments, as well as the "Note Teacher" application. Data were analyzed using t-test statistics.

Results: 1. After participating in the foundational skill enhancement program for reading international music notation through game-based learning, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher mean score in music notation reading skills (xˉ=79.43, SD=4.97) compared to their pretest score (xˉ=13.52, SD=7.23), with statistical significance at the .05 level of significance (t=26.33). rapeepan_28@hotmail.com

1. 2. A comparison of posttest scores for music notation reading skills showed that the experimental group achieved a significantly higher mean score than the control group, also with statistical significance at the .05 level of significance.

Conclusion: The research findings indicate that game-based learning is more effective in developing international music notation reading skills than relying solely on textbooks and instructional materials. Integrating games into education not only enhances the enjoyment of learning but also fosters student engagement and promotes the development of essential skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration—key competencies in the study of international music notation. Therefore, educators must design instructional activities that align with the learning objectives to ensure effective implementation of game-based learning strategies.