Described is a puppetry project which incorporates learning music selection, introducing music in writing activities, learning how music tells a story, learning about sound effects and theme music, and music appreciation. Some musical resources are included. (KC)

Music has an important place in the lives of many people as shown through this compilation of descriptive statements on music. One hundred and three people responded to a request from music educators to share their thoughts about how music has influenced their lives. Comments of leaders in entertainment, government, and business are contained in…

Elementary teachers can use music as the springboard for across-the-curriculum activities. The article presents strategies for introducing elementary students to music and integrating the arts into other subjects. It also explains how to select the right pieces and suggests various helpful products for integrating music into the curriculum. (SM)

Reports on a study of children's preferences between slow and fast tempo classical music excerpts. Finds that students preferred music with a slow tempo. Concludes that repetition had a positive effect on children's preferences. (CFR)

Music instruction is organized by skill and concept in this 12-part curriculum guide. In parts 1 and 2, a statement of philosophy is followed by a conceptual chart providing an overview of the 1-12 curriculum by concept. Kindergarten curriculum is outlined in part 3. Part 4, which outlines concept development for grades 1 through 6, is subdivided…

Presents study results on effects of historical and analytical information on subjects' responses to music listening experiences. Attempts to learn how best to increase the overall value placed on music by people without musical training. Compares groups with (1) no background information; (2) historical information; and (3) analytical…

The teaching of music-related leisure skills to secondary students with disabilities is discussed. Areas of discussion include the limits of music education programs; music-related skills that can be taught in the classroom (including accessing, appreciating, and engaging in musical experiences); and teaching music-related skills (including…

Rap, a popular music that emerged in the United States during the 1980s and 90s, is described as a creation of young African American culture. It belongs to a centuries old legacy of using language creatively in everyday life. The roots of the music are seen as part of the African-American oral and musical traditions that encompass the hidden…

Gives background information for a secondary unit on the blues. Such a unit should include singing blues songs and playing accompaniment, listening to records, and composing original works. Study of the blues is an important way to transmit insights about our cultural heritage. (CS)

Describes the Orff-Schulwerk approach for teaching music to children. The objective is to awaken aesthetic responsiveness. Learning activities are designed to highten sensory awareness, provide genuine aesthetic experiences, promote musical skill development, and stimulate conceptual learning and improvisation. (AM)

Presents a variety of approaches to help students develop understanding and positive attitudes toward the complexities of electronic sounds. (Part of a theme issue on aspects of contemporary music.) (Author/SJL)

The author reviews the problems of providing a comprehensive music literature program to general music students and suggests objectives and activities for such a program at the elementary and secondary grade levels. (SJL)

Children have an innate ability to like and produce music, and elementary teachers have a responsibility for developing this aptitude. (MB)

Discusses the use of imagination as a tool to improve students' musicianship. Suggests that imagery can be used to teach intonation, tone color, sight-reading, and expression. Describes active listening in which the students must use musical memory and participate in musical expression to produce a certain sound that may be difficult to describe.…

Presents study results of the effects of different teaching methods on the ability of nonmusician, college students to distinguish meter. Explains that one group heard meter defined with examples, another emphasized meter with large muscle movements, and a third heard examples with reinforcing clicks. Reports that all groups differed from the…