The study “SIGrun” (Studie zum Instrumentalunterricht in Grundschulen [Study of instrumental introduction in elementary schools]) focuses on the role of special musical education in German elementary schools. Beginning in the summer of 2009 53 elementary schools in Hamburg and 372 in North Rheine- Westphalia will offer their students participation in the so-called JeKi-program (Jedem Kind ein Instrument [Every child an instrument]). This program will be evaluated concerning the influence of musical education on students’ development in different domains (e.g., social competence, concentrativeness, self-concept). The study focuses not only on an individual level but also on the classroom- and school-level. Concerning the class-level the influence on school development (e.g. school-climate; teacher-preparedness for a stronger commitment) will be addressed. The empirical evaluation of this program is based on a selection of elementary schools in the above mentioned federal states (Bundeslaender). Within these Bundeslaender the focus will lie on schools in districts characterized by a disadvantaged social background. Furthermore the sampling procedure will distinguish between two types of schools: schools which are experienced in this kind of musical promotion and schools without any experience concerning musical or arts education (beyond the content of the curriculum). In JeKi teachers from private and public music schools will work closely together with the elementary school teachers. One main research question concerns the evaluation of the way in which teachers will cooperate in the JeKi program. So far, there is no national empirical study which describes the specific profiles of music schools and their school development. That is why SIGrun prefers a comparative and longitudinal design to evaluate the effects on students, teachers and schools.

The study will be based on a convenience sample of elementary schools from social disadvantaged areas in two federal states of Germany. Within each Bundesland the JeKi-schools will be compared with schools that either have introduced special musical classes for their students (Hamburg) or do offer other cognitive activating special programs for their students (North Rheine-Westphalia). The panel will start with the first wave at the end of the school year 2008/2009 by collecting data with standardized student-, teacher-, and parent-questionnaires. For in depth analysis interviews will be conducted with the principals with regard to school development, the current status of implementation of the JeKi program and the school and class climate.

One main issue of the SIGrun Study will be a review of special music-based education in elementary schools. Next to a documentation of what was done so far one a second purpose of the study will be an analysis of the relationships between teachers, teachers–parents and students–teachers–parents. The main research questions are: (a) How is the music-based student enhancement realized; (b) how do teachers and principals get a benefit out of this program and (c) how does the enhancement within JeKi influence students’ competencies, attitudes, interests and motivations?