A Study of the Effect of Baroque Classical Music on Pre-First Graders’ Performance on a Group Reading Test

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the playing of Baroque Classical music during the administration of a group reading test would affect the performance of Pre-first graders on the test. Statistical analysis of control and experimental reading scores of Pre-first graders on the Gates-MacGinite Reading Test revealed the following results. The playing of Baroque Classical music during testing did not significantly affect reading scores. Although no statistically significant change in reading achievement occurred, a trend towards improvement was apparent. This trend was evidenced by an overall increase in stanine score among the students. Small sample size and a sample not indicative of the general population were limiting factors of this study. Further investigation in this area is warranted.