Date of Award

6-12-2026

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Dissertation

Divisions

Faculty of Creative Arts

Department

Department of Music

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

Middle-school music educators face persistent questions about what and how to teach, seeking an inclusive yet relevant syllabus that benefits every learner while opening less-explored areas of music education. Aesthetic intelligence, recognised as a crucial quality for thriving in a high-value world, refers to the ability to understand, interpret, and articulate expressions evoked by a particular experience. This action research study explored how music appreciation stimulates human thinking and action in aesthetic intelligence through the ‘Operatic Mind’ and examined the effectiveness of the ‘Operatic Mind’ lesson plans in attaining aesthetic intelligence. The teacher-researcher implemented the ‘Operatic Mind’ framework with a purposeful sample of 24 private-school students aged 12 to 14. Data sources included pre- and post-qualitative surveys and action research cycles that detailed participants’ learning progress. Through the ‘Operatic Mind’ music appreciation course, action research findings reflected that human action and thinking in aesthetic intelligence are stimulated through 1) developmental process and convergence of thinking and action, 2) active interpretation and creative expression, and 3) integrating diverse mediums to deepen perspective and action. Meanwhile, the pre- and post-qualitative findings affirmed the effectiveness of the ‘Operatic Mind’ lesson plans through positive outcome shown by participants after attending the course. This study offers valuable insights for dedicated educators, reinforcing the notion that music education can be relevant, engaging, and inclusive, transcending diverse backgrounds and future career paths.

Initial

khm

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Creative Arts, Universiti Malaya, 2026

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