Only a few of the author's music students are dedicated to music as a possible career. Most squeeze their lessons in between soccer tournaments and play practices, homework and a social life. As their only musical outlet, the author feels a double responsibility. Her goal is to open children's minds and hearts to the world of music--for them to…

Procyon LLC had re-launched and renamed their music discovery site, Electra, to Capella, in 2008. Its core strength had originated from Electra's proprietary technology, which used music libraries from real people, its members, to generating "automated word-of-mouth" recommendations, targeted advertising and editorial content. With the re-launch,…

Leadership and music are two topics that are rarely mentioned together. However, their universal, intriguing, and complex nature allows a unique framework for helping individuals learn leadership concepts. In this paper several songs have been selected from various music genres. Each demonstrates elements of leadership. Aspects of popular culture…

Any music teacher who has planned a holiday concert knows about the politics underlying the selection of appropriate music. Some students do not sing carols or cite lyrics that refer to fictional characters such as elves, goblins, or Harry Potter. Still others do not sing the national anthem. To these students or their parents, such songs…

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…

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…

This instructional resource, intended for grades three and up, includes an illustrated children's book and an audiotape. Also included is a teacher's guide written by Michael P. French. This resource tells the story of African American music in six main sections, beginning with its African roots and then describing five of the major styles of…

This guide to music appreciation courses was developed for use in senior high schools in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. Music Appreciation III A examines the development of music, from the Gothic period through the Classical period. Music Appreciation III B examines the development of music from the Romantic period through the 1970s.…

Contends the history and values that lie behind Jewish music offer music educators more than the holiday songs normally utilized. Discusses a variety of ways that Jewish music can enrich students' understanding of and appreciation for music history. Lists important composers of Jewish and non-Jewish background who have produced Jewish music. (DB)

This teacher's guide stresses the need for more singing in schools and cultural institutions. Cultural traditions "charge" songs with amazing energy. The charge comes from the sense of identity the song creates. When a song connects people emotionally with a culture, the deep-rooted traditions of that culture add meaning to the singing. Children…

Compares preferential ratings of art music among 100 music majors and 100 nonmusic majors. Finds that music majors' preference ratings were significantly higher than those of the nonmajors. Also finds that Likert-scale ratings of nonmajors using the Continuous Response Digital Interface were higher than those using a static measure. (CFR)

Developed for use in the junior high schools of Duval County, Jacksonvile, Florida, this is a teachers' guide to music appreciation courses. Music Appreciation I examines America's musical heritage and emphasizes music's relationship to science, social studies, and language arts. The course provides study of the scientific fundamentals of sound,…

Points out that high school band programs are often geared toward entertainment and the short-term reward of competitive recognition. Suggests the goal should be toward the development of musical skills including understanding, creating, and appreciating the art of music. Suggests how band programs can contribute to the music education curriculum.…

Reports on a study to examine the role of music in the deaf culture and to relate the findings to music education programs for hearing-impaired students. Finds that cultural identification is a major factor in deaf individuals' involvement with music. Concludes that music can have an important role in the education of most hearing-impaired…