Self-Instructional Drill Materials for Student Conductors

1HIS STUDY WAS CONCERNED with the development and experimental testing of self-instructional drill materials aimed at the improvement of score-reading ability. For the purpose of this research score-reading ability was defined as skill in the detection and identification of pitch and rhythm errors in instrumental performance. This skill is deemed a necessary behavioral competence of teachers of instrumental music. These teachers are faced with the necessity of detecting and identifying errors during rehearsal class. Highly developed aural/visual skill, commonly referred to as score-reading ability can have positive effect on the judicious use of available teaching time. Efficient rehearsal procedures facilitate student learning through accurate music performance experience. There is presently no instructional method for the teaching of scorereading skill. Experience in aural music theory classes is very often unrelated to the aural discrimination skills needed by instrumental teachers. Rarely, if ever, are future teachers asked to detect and identify errors produced in a music texture involving various instruments. Aural skills are developed in ear training classes but there is little evidence of transfer to the problems that confront the conductor. Students are unable to synthesize existent skills and focus them in solving the rehearsal problems of the conductor-teacher. In order to develop scorereading skill, students must experience reality-oriented material in a carefully organized format. It was the purpose of this study to develop self-instructional materials that bring about a synthesis of aural/visual skills needed for accurate score reading. Specifically, the objectives were as follows: