Abstract:
The aims of this study are 1) to investigate general conditions and common problems in music appreciation class, and 2) to suggest method for improving music appreciation teaching and learning in undergraduate level. The method of the study was survey or exploratory research study. The population and subjects were 21 universities under Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC) where music appreciation subject was taught. Research instruments were questionnaire and interview. Data were analyzed to find out percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The result showed 1) the conditions and common problems in music appreciation class, and 2) the suggestion of improvement method for the subject. The conditions of music appreciation classroom in the target universities are less different in subject contents, teaching style is based on lecture, the quality of teaching and learning was ranked in moderate level, Thai texts are insufficient, and there is no clearly aesthetics evaluations. Improvement method suggestions for music appreciation teaching and learning in undergraduate level were divided into 5 main points which are 2.1) the purpose of the subject should be focused on aesthetics as important purpose and should give students as much as possible opportunities to experience music themselves, 2.2) the contents of the subject should involve both western and non-western music including music components, history, literature, relationship between human and music, and the way to appreciate music, 2.3) teaching and learning style should be focused on listening, both in terms of quality and quantity, and give students opportunities to listen live music performance, 2.4) instructional media should be music instruments with high quality sound system and use visual aids retrieving from internet go together with lecture, and 2.5) evaluation should be held to evaluate knowledge gain, listening skills and attitude toward music by expressing students feeling through language.