The potential of group music education for developing empathy: An empirical study

Abstract

This study examines the effect on students’ empathy of using group music activities based on composition and improvisation strategies. The research was carried out over a 9-month period using a pre–posttest control group quasi-experimental design. Sixty-three students took part in the study: 32 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index scale was used to provide a multidimensional approach to measure empathy. The scale’s cognitive components, perspective taking and fantasy, and its emotional components, empathic concern and personal distress, were adopted in the study. The research design used was quasi-experimental, as it was not possible to randomize the sample. Results show significant differences in empathy and cooperation skills between secondary students after implementing the music composition and improvisation activities in the experimental group. These students enhanced their ability to break with routine and place themselves in an imaginary situation that they associated with their musical creations. Moreover, helping them to understand others through the translation of personal emotions and moods into musical sequences contributed to the development of consideration of others’ viewpoints and helped to reduce confrontation in the classroom. This way, musical activities in groups based on creative strategies had potential to improve students’ empathy.