Development and Validation of the Musical Ear Training Assessment (META)

In the following study, we have developed an assessment instrument for the practice-dependent skill of analytical hearing following a strict test theoretical validation, resulting in the Musical Ear Training Assessment (META). By means of three pilot studies, a developmental study, and a validation study, we verified a one-dimensional test model using item response theory identifying the best 53 items to measure a person’s ear training and analytical hearing skill. For better application, two test versions with 10 and 25 items have been compiled (META-10 and META-25). Aside from psychometric test development, it was possible to investigate a variety of moderator variables assumed to influence ear training skill. The participants’ main instrument did not influence the META score, nor did whether participants had learned some method of solmization. However, the most played genre (d = 0.20) and, unforeseen by us, the participants’ gender (d = 0.23; males outperforming females) had significant impacts on the test score. This test instrument enables empirical research into the relevance of ear training for general musical skills, intervention studies on skill acquisition, and standardized assessment for advanced music students and musicians.