Trainor et al

year

2012

Aim

To test the idea that musical enculturation occurs through

active learning.

Participants

38 western infants who were 6 months old were randomly

assigned to one of two conditions:

• six months of active participatory music class

• six months of a class in which they experienced music

passively while playing with toys.

Procedure

DV1- sensitivity to western tonality

• measured by examining infant [preferences to 2 versions of a sonatina ( tonal + atonal versions )

• preference measured in head turn as light was flashed on a toy and music started playing - stopped when looking away

DV2 - social development of infants

• measured by questionnaire given to parents

It was predicted active class infants would show more development

Results

Children in the active class group demonstrated a

preference to the tonal version of the sonatina

• The questionnaire showed that infants in the active

condition by the age of 12 months showed

less distress to limitations and when confronted

with novel stimuli, more smiling and laughter, and easier

soothability.

Conclusion

Active music making in a social context involving infants and

parents promotes musical enculturation of infants, including

their sensitivity to cultural tonality and social development.