ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to provide the preliminary data on empathy in the field of music education. For this purpose, the types of empathy and its measures were first investigated. Recent studies of empathy relating to music were then reviewed. Finally, based on previous studies, some thoughts on teaching principles and music activities with the potential to promote empathetic ability were suggested. There are three different types of empathy: cognitive, emotional, and compassionate. Researchers have used various approaches to measure empathy, including picture-stories, somatic and physiological measures and self-report by questionnaires. Studies of empathy related to music are largely categorized into two groups: the first group consists of correlation studies that investigate the relationship between students empathetic ability and the effect music has; the second group examines music programs designed to enhance empathetic ability. Based on previous studies, this study suggests four teaching principles that promote empathetic ability: the use of the key elements for empathy education (imitation, opportunities to be synchronous with others, cooperation), the provision of opportunities for group music-making, and the encouragement of engagement in shared affective experiences. Also, the study discussed music activities for improving empathetic ability.

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