The Validity of the Musical Aptitude Profile for Predicting Grades in Freshman Music Theory

Abstract

For a sample of 135 freshman music majors who completed one semester of music theory coursework, and for a sample of 104 freshman music majors who also completed a second semester of music theory coursework, the purpose of this study was to determine the criterion-related validity of the Musical Aptitude Profile (MAP) (Gordon, 1965) in relation to achievement in freshman music theory as determined by semester grades in the courses and by grades in the three components of the courses. It was concluded that the Tonal Imagery subtest of the MAP shows promise as a valid predictor of success in all three components of each of the two beginning music theory courses. In addition, the Rhythm Imagery subtest of the MAP is modestly valid in predicting grades in the sight-singing and ear-training components of the music theory courses, but not in the written work component. No statistically significant validity coefficients were obtained for Musical Sensitivity subtest scores as predictors of theory grades, and the Composite Score on the MAP afforded little or no increment in the degree of predictive validity over that provided by the Tonal Imagery or the Rhythm Imagery subtest.

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