Transformative 21st Century Approaches in Musical Ear Training: Fostering Essential Skills for Enhanced Learning

This paper investigates the potential benefits of integrating 21st-century skills into specifically designed novel activities in an ear training course. Drawing initial inspiration from the National Council for Social Studies’ 4Cs framework, the study explores the synergies between collaboration, critical chinking, creativity, and systematic thinking, as well as the role of technology in enhancing ear training in music studies. The research design follows an action research model, conducting a thorough examination of four specifically-designed novel activities in an ear training course: (1) strategic group games (2) Sing & See (3) dictation with different instrument sounds; and (4) creating stories for musical passages. Each activity aligns with at least two specific 21st-century skills, encompassing (I) Critical thinking, (II) Collaboration, (III) Problem-solving, (IV) Creativity, and (V) Technological literacy; the researchers aimed to determine if these activities have the potential to enhance (a) musical hearing, (b) solfège (c) listening. Data collection employed a multi-faceted approach, incorporating expert opinions, student self-assessment forms, and researcher diaries. Data analysis involved narrative synthesis, extracting and then compiling recurring themes from expert, student, and researcher evaluations. Findings reveal positive outcomes in terms of improved student engagement, adaptability and potential exposure to critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. Additionally, technology emerges as a valuable tool for interactive learning experiences, enriching creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. This research contributes to the evolving landscape of music education by proposing an integrative approach that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.