Body Expression and Music Learning in Secondary School. Differences and Associations by Age, Sex, and Interest in Music

The aim of this study was to know the opinion of secondary school students about the employment of body expression in music class and if it differed or was associated differently depending on the age, sex, and interest in music. A total of 2,017 secondary school students participated in the study by completing the Body Expression and Music Learning in Secondary School questionnaire. The statistical tests employed were the factor analysis, ANOVA analysis, Student’s T and linear regression analysis. The data showed a high validity and internal consistency in each of three obtained factors: music learning (F1), relationship with classmates (F2) and motivation towards music (F3). The results were higher in girls and in students with more interest in music for all the three factors. Music learning through body expression (F1) and motivation (F3) decreased when age increased. The relationship with classmates (F2) was similar in all ages. An increase of body movement during music lessons is suggested. These activities must be performed mainly in younger students and additional motivational measures should be established to involve both boys and young learners who demonstrate less interest in this subject.