President's Teaching Scholars Program | University of Colorado at Boulder

Paul Musso

Assistant Professor
Director of Guitar Program
Music and Entertainment Indusrty Studies
University of Colorado Denver
Campus 162 Arts 274 E
Denver, CO 80217
303 556-8873
paul.musso@ucdenver.edu

Full Proposal

Abstract
Is Edwin Gordon’s Advanced Measures of Music Audiation (AMMA) test an accurate outcomes assessment tool and indicator of musical aptitude as it applies to college music students? The AMMA test is currently given to all students applying to get into the Department of Music and Entertainment Industry Studies. In this new culture of outcomes assessment, it is imperative to discover the testing tools that represent accurate and effective assessment.

Does quantitative data from AMMA results warrant program changes in MEIS’s ear training and theory curriculum?
Does the AMMA test indicate bias in any way?
Is there a measurable difference between music aptitude and musical achievement?
Does formal music training influence musical aptitude?
Is the AMMA a valid assessment tool?

I have developed and online version of this test which would enable the department to administer the test to music students at different intervals (Applicant, Sophmore and Senior). This quantitative data could be analyzed and used as valuable outcomes  assessment information. The research component in this process would involve analyzing the data as well as analyzing the validity of the test.