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…

This article provides general music teachers with resources they can use in their class to: (1) introduce the instrument to their students; (2) energize and reshape their students' attitudes toward the instrument; (3) show older students who are very musical recorder and low flute players who share their love of the instruments through podcasts…

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)

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…

Activities in music class allow students, especially students with hearing impairments, to explore new means of expression and to enhance existing ones. Additional benefits may include increases in auditory awareness, cognitive ability, attention span, memory recall, and vocabulary. Students with hearing impairments can learn and flourish in music…

Maintains that choral music conductors strive to choose a variety of musical styles, genres, and historical periods. Discusses three types of programming approaches: (1) chronological; (2) thematic; and (3) concept. Includes four tables illustrating selection and pacing of choral music during a concert. (CFR)

Reports on a study of inexperienced and experienced music teachers to determine the dominant perceptual dimensions used to classify classical musical excerpts. Finds that listeners generate an internal hierarchy that reflects their individual background and knowledge. Concludes that instructional methods are as important as the music selected for…

Presents an interview with Bell Yung, a scholar of Chinese music and ethnomusicology. Maintains that world music (music from many nations and cultures) should be taught as early as possible in the schools and at home. Includes two lesson plans for teaching about Chinese music. (CFR)

Describes Leonard Bernstein's contributions to music education as a teacher of conducting and of musical awareness and appreciation, and as a university professor. Emphasizes Bernstein's love of teaching, people, and music. Encourages music educators and the music profession to contemplate his teaching skills to help students feel the joy of music…

Raises concerns about the music educator's approach to teaching pre-kindergarten children. Proposes a pre-kindergarten music curriculum model based on a synthesis of theories about the learning environment with the contributions of learning/play theorists and music educators. Provides a global to specific approach to interactive play periods. (LS)

Critiques musical learning in school bands, and points out the need to teach more than performance skills. Encourages band directors to use comprehensive musicianship teaching techniques, suggesting methods to help band students think musically. Provides workable, specific strategies for rehearsals. (LS)

Reports on a study of third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students to identify and conceptualize meter in music. Finds that ability to perform these tasks improves with maturity and with use of hand gestures as well as verbal response. Concludes that it is important to match curriculum with the developmental levels of students. (CFR)

This music curriculum catalog contains a current listing of music education curriculum materials available upon request from state supervisors of music. The catalog provides a compendium of the latest music curriculum materials for music educators involved in planning, writing, revising, or evaluating music curriculum. The catalog contains entries…

Recommends incorporating singing activities as an instructional component of orchestra and band rehearsals. Notes that singing helps students develop aural skills, learn sight-reading, and make connections between the basic elements of music theory and the practical application of these elements. Also includes suggested activities. (MJP)

Asserts that study of the arts fosters the type of divergent and creative thinking needed in both the business world and society. Argues that educators should work together to develop schedules of eight instructional periods allowing for more arts instruction. Considers requiring arts courses for graduation from high school. (MJP)