A Case Study on the Musical Performance Experience (Rap School Song and Fusion Choral) of Students with Disabilities: Focusing on the Case of ○○ Special School
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Jeong Jina 
Published: December 2023

Objectives This study aims to conduct a qualitative case study exploring the experiences of students with disabilities in musical performances utilizing rap.
Methods At the ○○ Special School in Chungnam, a total of 38 participants engaged in the musical performance, which included four teachers covering roles such as accompanists, drummers, and vocals, alongside students from middle school to specialized courses. Rehearsals took place twice a week for two hours from April 16th to 27th, 2018. The primary participants in the study were six students with developmental disabilities, and secondary participants included seven individuals: administrators, educators, school superintendents, and local community members. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research delves into the students’ experiences with a learner-centered program that featured a rap school song and a fusion choral performance. Data collection mainly consisted of in-depth interviews conducted over eight sessions during the music performance preparation phase, supplemented with participant observations. To ensure the credibility and validity of the qualitative research, techniques such as peer reviews, expert meetings, and the triangulation method were employed.
Results The findings are as follows. First, the introduction of rap through a rap school song and fusion choral signaled a turning point in education. Initially, administrators and faculty exhibited skepticism, deeming it unfeasible. However, students displayed a mix of unfamiliarity, curiosity, and preconceived notions about traditional music education, hinting at an impending challenge. Second, the dual concerto of empathy and tailored instruction served as a motivating factor to unleash the potential of students with disabilities. Significant changes were observed in trust and class participation levels when the teacher-student relationship harmonized (師弟同行). This musical reinforcement brought about improvements in autonomy, classroom attitude, expressiveness, prejudice reduction, enhanced interaction, and improved articulation skills, thereby demonstrating the possible within the impossible. Tailored, learner-centered education showcased its potential to transform negative aspects into positive elements for students, educators, and stakeholders alike. Third, through the bond of musical understanding, everyone came together in harmony, leaving a lasting warmth and fragrance. This became an opportunity to shift perceptions on disabilities from bias to equality. The music performance surpassed the expectations of all participants, marking a time of new challenges and achievements, leaving an indelible impact on the educational landscape.
Conclusions The utilization of rap in the musical experiences of students with disabilities revealed the potential to bring about positive effects, showcasing the harmony of empathy and tailored instruction. Therefore, this study can provide a foundation and play a pivotal role in implementing learner-centered music education.