Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between musical training and Emotional Intelligence (EI) among undergraduate and postgraduate students from diverse academic disciplines across six universities in India. The primary objectives are to assess EI levels in students trained and not trained in Indian Classical Music and to examine the influence of gender and type of musical training on EI. A sample of 130 students was divided into two groups: those with compulsory musical association for five years or more and those without musical exposure. Data was collected using a validated Emotional Intelligence Scale based on Goleman's model. The results indicate that students with musical training have significantly higher EI levels than their non-musical counterparts. Additionally, male students demonstrated higher EI levels than female students, while no significant difference was found between students learning instrumental and vocal music. These findings highlight the positive impact of musical training on emotional intelligence and suggest that music education could play a crucial role in enhancing students' emotional and social competencies. The study's implications extend to educational and developmental contexts, advocating for integrating music education compulsorily in education at every level.