Measuring Wellbeing in a Sixth-Grade Band Program: An Action Research Study

The purpose of this exploratory, quantitative action research study was to pilot an alternative approach to assessment in one of the author’s sixth-grade bands that included wellbeing rather than meeting standards-based benchmarks alone. Using the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (SSWQ), authors surveyed 186 students to measure joy of learning, school connectedness, educational purpose, academic efficacy, and overall wellbeing. Results indicated that students often experienced positive wellbeing across all subscales, though variability suggested areas for improvement, particularly in joy of learning. Findings emphasize the importance of assessing wellbeing alongside musical growth to enhance retention, engagement, and equity in music education. Action steps included implementing early interventions, administering surveys multiple times per year, and expanding wellbeing-informed practices. This study highlights the potential of wellbeing assessment to promote holistic development and advocates for continued cycles of action research to refine strategies for improving student wellbeing in music classrooms.