The Modifiability of Analytical and Musical Abilities as a Function of Exposure to Instrumental Enrichment (IE)

Abstract

In the present study, the modifiability of both visual and auditory modalities of analytical perception was studied, as a result of mediation through IE in a teachers' college. The experimental group consisted of students specializing in special education. The two control groups consisted of students specializing in general teaching and in special education. The training period lasted 3 months. Prior to and after the 3 month training period in which only the experimental group was given IE all the groups were tested for their analytical and musical abilities (pitch, tonal memory, chords, and rhythmic memory). The modifiability of the experimental group in their analytical ability was significantly greater than the control groups. The most significant change in the musical abilities of the experimental group occurred with regard to chord analysis. A significant correlation was found between the visual and some of the auditory abilities.