Each year, many students take the Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory Exam, and the majority of these students enroll in specialized AP music theory classes as part of the preparation process. For the teachers of these AP music theory classes, a number of challenges are presented by the difficulty and complexity of the exam subject material as…

The student teaching seminar is a crucial component in the final course work of the music education curriculum, though research that examines the structure and content of this important course is minimal. In this article, we provide in-depth descriptions of sample seminar activities, assessments, resources, and suggestions for creating a…

This article explores how choral music educators can facilitate access to meaningful music experiences for all students in their schools. In a changing landscape that honors equity and diversity, music education environments must also change to align with these values. To provide the optimal environment for successful inclusive practice, choral…

Halloween can be celebrated quite well with classical music. Music that relates, directly or indirectly, to fantasy, the supernatural, or the macabre is described. (RM)

Traces the history of instructional computing in music education. Describes the development of music software and hardware. Discusses potential benefits of using the newly developed software in the classroom. Suggests that educators and musicians interact with the publishing community to help define their needs in music education. (DK)

Presents a resource list of mostly non-Western music education materials for use in teaching elementary and middle school children. Divides the works into (1) general surveys and multicultural song and story collections; (2) videotapes, audio series, and anthologies; (3) videos and soundtrack recordings for specific culture areas; and (4)…

Books, booklets, audiovisual materials, and service and specialty items for elementary, secondary, and college level music education are described in this annotated listing. (RM)

The Paula Program in music for gifted girls in middle schools, developed by St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana, is described. How the program was designed is discussed and activities and materials selected for classroom use are briefly described. (RM)

Guidelines to help music teachers evaluate computer software for classroom use are presented. An annotated listing of critical reviews of music education computer software is also included. (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…

Presents a collection of teachers' ideas on instruction for musical improvisation. Includes suggestions for ascending grade levels, spontaneous composition, and creation of sound maps. Recommends making technique training fun and creative through improvisation. Suggests that children be taught to think in sounds and to experiment with variations.…

Encourages the use of percussion ensembles in upper elementary and secondary general music classes because of their high motivational value, the ease of achieving performance, and the minimal need for music reading skills. Offers guidelines for introducing percussion ensemble music, including an annotated discography listing selections to…

Recommends using Orff and Kodaly techniques to develop choral reading skills at the secondary level. Asserts that these techniques that are normally used with elementary level students may be extended through high school. Provides instructional materials to use as daily classroom exercises. Includes a chart of solfege dictation hand signs. (NL)

Multiplication rock music was conceived as a way to teach multiplication to children. The songs had to be deviously educational, teaching the children without their realizing they were being taught and had to complement the methods of the new math. The project that produced the music is described. (RM)

Suggests an evaluative model for assessing the quality of a music program that asks questions concerning goals and objectives, leadership of the program, staffing, curriculum and scheduling, instructional materials, and learning outcomes. Advocates the guidelines proposed by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) in assessing what…