Comparative analysis of preferred music methodology among music students in Rivers State Secondary Schools, Nigeria

This study was based on a comparative analysis of preferred music methodology among music students in Rivers State secondary schools, Nigeria. The researcher adopted the descriptive research design for the study. The population of the study consisted of over 840 music students identified in public secondary schools in Rivers State. The sample of the study consisted of 150 music students drawn from 30 public schools across 10 LGAs in the state using the multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was titled “Students Preferred Music Method Questionnaire” (SPMMQ). The instrument was a 20 item multi-variate instrument which contains four sub-sections (I, II, III and IV). These sub-sections contained items that measured the Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki and Dalcroze methods respectively. The validity of SPMMQ was determined using convergent validity process while Cronbach Alpha method of internal consistency was used in determining the reliability index of 0.85. Administration was done on face-to-face basis with the help of two field assistant. Data collected were analysed sing mean and standard deviation associated with item-by-item analysis. Result of the study showed that the Orff, Suzuki as well as the Dalcroze methods were preferred by secondary school students only to a lower extent. On the contrary, the Kodaly method was preferred by students to a very high extent. Based on these findings, it was recommended that teachers should apply the Kodaly method in the process of teaching music to students. Again, school authorities and stakeholders should provide necessary facilities that may support other method of teaching music.