Suggests the use of ukuleles as instruments to teach music skills and concepts in general music classes. Describes the history, development, and structure of the ukulele. Includes diagrams of an instrument, tuning, C chord tablature, and rhythmic strum. Suggests the ukulele's use in teacher training as is required at the University of Hawaii. (DK)

Describes how to use ensembles of recorders and other folk instruments in elementary school music classes. The importance of improvisation and aural training in mixed ensembles is stressed. (AM)

Authors served up a variety of techniques for investigating sound sources and sound patterns. Have you considered creating a composition from breathing sounds? Or constructing a conversation in percussion? These ideas are included along with step-by-step directions for making nine percussion instruments. (Editor)

The basic skills and techniques of playing the horn, trumpet, tuba, and other brass instruments are quite similar, but the methods and concepts used to teach these skills vary considerably. Differences in both philosophy and methodology are described. (Editor/KC)

The author states that in a melody/harmony/rhythm sense, improvising on a synthesizer is no different from improvising on any other instrument. The capabilities of synthesizers are described, and exercises and methods to be used with synthesizers are outlined. (KC)

Describes study of effects of learning procedures and performance tempo on ability of 64 middle school students to perform previously learned rhythmic passages. Reviews the four learning procedures used for each rhythmic passage. Finds no evidence attributed to learning procedure but significant adverse differences if the tempo was changed from…

A continuing pedagogical problem with preadolescent string students is the introduction and development of finger-pattern concepts. The procedures outlined in this article not only introduce and reinforce a needed kinesthetic skill but also allow the child to be creative while making music in an American idiom--the blues. (Author/SJL)

Described are improvisational activities based on the Orff-Schulwerk teaching technique which include: sound and movement; sound and movement plus visuals; interpretation of designs from nature, architecture, paintings, rotating rondo, singing hands, and moving from words to song. Pictures of children participating in these activities are…

Arranged into eight parts, the booklet assists instrumental music teachers in facilitating musicianship in the beginning instrumental class. Part 1 presents a description and rationale for teaching comprehensive musicianship in instrumental programs. Part 2 presents a list of student objectives and teaching strategies for beginning level classes.…

During the three thousand years in which the present music notation system has evolved, numerous notation methods have been considered, each with shortcomings in its ability either to meet the requirements of modern composers or to serve as an instructional system. Considers what must be done in order to satisfy the needs of both the advanced…

Discusses methods for teaching instrumental music skills to educable mentally handicapped children. The author advocates consistent rules for equipment handling and playing position, frequent positive feedback from teachers, private lessons, rote-learning of music, and group playing experiences. Appropriate music training significantly improved…

Offers strategies for introducing world music into the school instrumental music program. Suggests steps toward creating a more multicultural band or orchestra, including choosing multicultural musical literature, analyzing world music, and maintaining a diverse music library. Argues that culturally diverse music programs are better equipped to…

Techniques that elementary teachers can use to motivate students to develop their reading skills with greater enthusiasm are presented. These include the "eye chart" game, the "get to the head of the class" game, the "I can see what you can see" game, and the "song puzzle" game. (RM)

Describes musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), a communication system that uses digital data to enable MIDI-equipped instruments to communicate with each other. Includes discussion of music editors, sequencers, compositional software, and commonly used computers. Suggests uses for the technology for students and teachers. Urges further…

Reports on study of 80 elementary students in grades 3-6 to determine whether tempo perception and performance abilities increased with grade level and musical training. Finds that student performance and perceptions did increase with grade level and training. Concludes that modern technology has made research into tempo perception more precise…