Data Collection and Analysis

      Students were provided with a composition template created by the teacher-

researcher (Figure 3-3). The template included a blank line with the solfege labels "sol",

above the line, and "mi", below the line. The text of the rhyme was provided along with

the quarter rests in the rhythm. Students composed their pieces individually and were

allowed practice time on a xylophone before performing their compositions.

      Students within each group were assigned a number to ensure anonymity in the

data collection and analysis process. This number was written on the student's

composition and stated by the researcher on the audio recording prior to each student's

performance. The teacher-researcher then made an audio recording of each student's

performance for later evaluation.

       Upon collecting student data, scores were determined by listening to the audio

recording and marking each note on the students' written composition. If the note was

played correctly, the student received one point. If the note was played incorrectly, the

student received no point. Each student received a total score based on the number of

notes played correctly. A total of sixteen notes were written and played in each

composition. Mean, median, and mode were calculated for each data set. A T-test was

performed to determine the statistical significance of the results.