The effect of participation in a popular band program on students’ musical and extra-musical outcomes in Korea

The increased attention to the use of popular music within the classroom is not new. In fact, music educators in many countries have discussed the incorporation of popular music into mainstream music education for decades. South Korea is no exception, and the younger generation has a genuine interest in and sensitivity toward popular music. Yet, South Korea has been slow to incorporate popular music into its mainstream school music curriculum. Recently, the popular band has been gaining its popularity as a new kind of ensemble program inside and outside the school in South Korea. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a popular band program, the “Little Bob Dylan Band,” on students’ musical and extra-musical outcomes. Thirty-five students participated in the program, and, in this study, both students and their parents completed a survey and were individually interviewed. Results indicated that the program enabled students to have new and deepened musical experiences in their lives. In addition, students were able to develop artistic originality through an integrated curriculum that involved cooperation with peers while creating and playing music together.