Music Education, Openness to Experience, and Neuroticism: Are We Making Students Happier?

The general expectation from music education is that it contributes to the development of positive qualities, such as creativity in individuals, as well as increasing their happiness and well-being. In this study, the extent to which this expectation is met was tested by measuring the neuroticism and openness to experience personality traits of music students. Participants ( N  = 466) completed a demographic questionnaire and the Big Five Personality Inventory. We found that music students scored significantly higher on both traits compared with those who did not receive music education. These findings indicate that music education may has a positive effect on the openness to experience trait of music students, especially in females. However, no reducing effect on the neuroticism level was detected. The data obtained show that adopting an educational approach that takes into account the psychological needs of students is necessary to achieve the fundamental goals of music education.