THE APPLICATION OF MUSIC NOTATION SOFTWARE COMBINED WITH THE DEMONSTRATION TEACHING METHOD TO DEVELOP RHYTHM PERFORMANCE SKILLS OF GRADE 7 STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) investigate a demonstration teaching method integrated with music notation software for Grade 7 students, 2) compare students’ achievement in basic Western music knowledge between those taught using the demonstration method with software and those taught using conventional demonstration, 3) compare students’ achievement in rhythm performance skills after learning, and 4) examine students’ satisfaction with the learning method. The sample consisted of 40 Grade 7 students from Streesmutprakan School in the 2025 academic year. Research instruments included a learning plan using the demonstration method with software, a test on basic Western music knowledge, a rhythm performance assessment, and a student satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, percentage, paired and independent t-tests, and the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC).

The results showed that: 1) The instructional method demonstrated the highest level of appropriateness, covering all stages of the learning management process 2) The learning achievement in fundamental Western music theory of both groups showed significantly higher post-test scores compared to their pre-test scores (p < 0.05). The control group obtained a post-test mean score of 15.08, while the experimental group obtained 14.72. An independent t-test indicated that the post-test scores of the two groups were not significantly different (p = 0.532). 3) For rhythm performance skills, the experimental group using Sibelius software achieved a higher mean score (12.20) than the control group (8.33), with a mean difference of 3.88. This indicates that the use of the software enhanced rhythm performance skills more effectively than traditional demonstration-based instruction. 4) Students’ satisfaction with the instruction was rated at a high level, indicating that learning with the software helped them understand rhythm more easily, made the learning experience enjoyable, and increased their motivation to practice.