Participation in Secondary Music Ensembles and Senior-Year Mathematics Achievement

• In Event: Diverse Approaches to Music Education Research

Abstract

Using the 2002 Education Longitudinal Study (ELS-02), this quasi-experimental design study attempts to isolate the relationship between secondary school music ensemble participation and mathematics achievement. Propensity score matching and fixed effects research designs are used to analyze the nationally representative data sample collected in the ELS-02 in order to estimate the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) for high school students who participated in a school sanctioned band, choir or orchestra. Students who report ensemble participation in both 10th and 12th grade demonstrate statistically significant increases in standardized math test scores as measured by ELS-02. These findings are important when determining resource allocation within schools to account for the role continuous music participation plays in academic success in mathematics.

Authors

• Stephanie Cronenberg, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Lance C Pittman, University of Illinois