MusiQuest: Music Education Modules For K-2 Students

In Phase I, Edify developed three prototype components for MusiQuest’s new K-2 modules to empower young students to create and learn about music: 1) appealing keyboard and drum digital instruments that scaffold in complexity; 2) a K-2 curriculum scope and sequence– with prototype lessons for K-1 built, along with five lessons of 2nd grade curriculum; 3) live student activity tracking in the MusiQuest learner app and dashboard. These new components were iteratively developed and studied by WestEd through a subject matter expert review, usability testing, and a pilot feasibility study with five teachers and 100 students, including concept testing. Feasibility findings were positive, with students showing an increase in music knowledge and teachers implementing MusiQuest as intended, and reporting that 100% of students were very engaged (56%) or engaged (44%) with lesson activities.

Phase II product development will combine three iterations of design and development by the Edify Technologies team with three rounds of testing by the nonprofit research group WestEd to support iterative improvements. The proposed K-2 MusiQuest modules will combine level-appropriate music making mechanisms, a curriculum of interactive lessons, and individual student supports and classroom management features to provide an ‘all-in-one’ music solution. A usability study will test newly developed components and features early in Phase II, followed by a feasibility study to further determine how MusiQuest can best be utilized by educators and students in the classroom. In the second year of Phase II, a small-scale randomized control trial with 25-30 1st and 2nd grade teachers and their approximately 500 students will assess the impact and promise of MusiQuest on student learning outcomes and attitudinal changes. Results of the pilot study will inform further development of MusiQuest’s K-2 modules, which will be made available for widespread use and purchase.