The effect of instrument training with formal analysis on the success of state conservatory students in playing instrument

This study aims to reveal the effects of instrument training with formal analysis to the success of playing instrument.In accordance with the problems and sub problems in the research, experimental model was used with pre-test ? post-test control group.The target population of the research was composed of violin and viola students of Afyon Kocatepe University State Conservatory, Music Department, String Instruments Branch and the sampling was composed of 20 undergraduate students, 14of violin and 6 of viola, from of IInd, IIIrd and IVth grades at Afyon Kocatepe University State Conservatory, Music Department, String Instruments Branch during 2010-2011 academic period. The students in the experiment group (n=10) were given instrument training with formal analysis for five weeks, while those in the control group (n=10) continued their regular training sessions.Achievement Test of Musical Analysis Information and Observation Form of Playing Instrument were used in gathering data about the study. Mann-Whitney U Test and Pailed Samples T Test were applied to analysize obtained data in the study.viThe findings showed that the students who had instrument training with formal analysis were more successful in tonal works than in modal works. It was also found that success of these students increased remarkably in playing by combining formal elements as the top-down process was followed from the whole to the parts (periodsentence-motive).Data analysis showed that musical analysis knowledge and formal analysis performance of the students were on the whole at a low level at the beginning of the training but improved positively and significantly after training.It is suggested that formal analysis instrument training is necessary for students to reach musical integrity in a qualified and effective instrument training and at this point, it is essential that music trainers guide the students. It is also thought that when applied with other instruments, the instrument training with formal analysis, performed by violin and viola students, will be more beneficial.