Mandolin Parallels and Their Effects on Beginning Violin Achievement

This research explored the novel concept of the parallel instrument and the usefulness of closely related disparate instruments in beginning instruction. Specifically, this researcher looked at two aspects of music learning that are commonly overlooked in beginning violin instruction, (a) pitch accuracy (in major and minor tonalities) and (b) sensitivity to harmonic progression in simple folk-style melodies. As a parallel instrument to the violin, the mandolin provides both a visual reference for correct pitch and immediate audible feedback by the presence of frets on the fingerboard. In addition to providing musicianship skills that benefit executive skill development on the violin, the mandolin can also be used to perform chords using simple finger patterns. Examined were the effects of contemporaneous parallel instrument instruction on executive and musicianship skill development in beginning violin students. The Harmonic Improvisation Readiness Record (Gordon, 2001) was used to evaluate a baseline to measure change in harmonic audiation ability. Students’ pitch accuracy ability was measured and compared across and within two groups; those who participated in aural based violin instruction and those who received the same instruction on mandolin during alternating lesson plans. A multivariate analysis of covariance examined pitch accuracy and harmonic audiation scores. Additionally, this research measured possible evidence of motivation for continued music participation by beginning violin students.