Evaluating A Pilot Improvisational Drumming Curriculum: Implications For Improving Confidence And Skills Among Music Therapy Students

Presented here are performance results of music therapy students in a college course that was designed to prepare them to use percussion interventions in therapy. After discussing the purpose and teaching methods used, self-reported confidence levels were examined to determine the effects of training in the use of common drum circle instruments and experience facilitating drum circles in a small-group setting. Data consisted of results from surveys regarding confidence and perceived skills. Mean confidence scores data were analyzed through graphical presentation. Mean self-reported skilllevel scores were also compared to the mean scores given by the instructor for each question on the skills survey. Examination of the data indicated a positive trend for self-reported confidence and drumming-skill levels. Comparison of instructor scores and student scores indicated strong agreement between teacher and student assessment of skills. In addition, skill-level trends supported the idea that student confidence increased as skill level increased.