Mindfulness and music. Impact on academic performance and mindfulness in students of Music Teacher Training

Abstract

Studies published in recent years have revealed interesting implications regarding the mindfulness-music relationship, which opens the doors to a relatively unexplored field of research in the particular subject of Music Education. This study analyzes the effect of a 9-week mindfulness training program on academic performance and mindfulness in a sample (N=25) of university students from the Mention in Music Teacher Training (Bachelor in Primary Education). The participants were distributed in two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The methodology used was mixed. The Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FMMQ) and the grades obtained in the different subjects that comprise the current Mention in MTT were used in the research as part of a pre-post design. Although the results showed no significant differences in the intergroup analysis for most of the variables considered, statistically significant differences were found at an intragroup level, within the intervention group. Regarding academic performance, the study shows how the practice of mindfulness was stimulating as well as beneficial in all subjects (and not only in the one where mindfulness training was implemented). This was particularly relevant for students who achieved the highest grades, something they likely would not have achieved without the intervention. On the other hand, significant improvements were identified in the evolution of the intervention group for the mindfulness characteristics. From a qualitative perspective, the evidence collected highlights the positive reactions of the participants regarding the evolution experienced within the experimental group, evolving from initial skepticism to an integration of mindfulness practice into student life over the course of more than one academic semester. In summary, the research provides evidence on the interest and usefulness of a mindfulness intervention as part of Music Teacher Training.