This article describes a sequential approach to improvisation teaching that can be used with students at various age and ability levels by any educator, regardless of improvisation experience. The 2014 National Core Music Standards include improvisation as a central component in musical learning and promote instructional approaches that are…

Before our current notation system was widely adopted by musicians, improvisation was a key component of music throughout the Western world. One of the fundamental elements of the baroque style, namely, using improvised embellishment, offered musicians great artist liberty. During the baroque period, improvisation spread across Europe and beyond.…

Percussion programming can be integrated into a camping experience that actively involves campers in clapping, singing, and dancing. Provides suggestions for making percussion instruments out of natural materials, and offers ideas for using percussion in storytelling, listening activities, and camper wake-up calls. (LP)

Discusses how choral directors and choirs can collaborate with a percussionist when a drum or other instrument is needed for a performance. Explores details, such as instrument availability and storage as well as working with a percussionist. Focuses on specific types of music. (CMK)

This guide contains lesson plans for music teachers and music specialists in grades K-4. The role of music education is to provide a balanced exposure to all music and musical experiences, allowing students to develop tastes and skills based upon a broad knowledge of music. The guide consists of two levels. The first half of the guide contains…

The curriculum guide provides lesson plans on the use of music and drama as a means to develop language skills in handicapped children. The approach is based on theories of music educator, C. Orff. Lesson plans list objective, materials, and procedure information along with time requirements and directions. The first section details activities…

Describes a unit used with sixth-grade students focusing on jazz and blues that taught improvisation. Discusses the different levels of improvisation that were used, providing the beginning activities, and describes activities that focus on the third level of improvisation called product-oriented improvisation. (CMK)

This curriculum guide in music is intended for use in grades 1-7 in the early French immersion program. The program is presented as one that contributes to the development of the child, calls for flexibility and diversification, and requires a solid music education on the part of the teacher. The guide presents the following topics: (1) statements…

Presents ideas on how to begin a chamber music ensemble. Discusses how to find time to accomplish chamber music playing in and around the school day. Presents short descriptions of chamber music that can be used with ensembles. Includes chamber music resources and additional chamber works. (CMK)

Contends that many choral programs suffer from a continued dependence on the piano for music learning and intonation. Provides suggestions that will help students develop sight-reading and singing skills that are not centered around the piano, such as creating a sight-reading system and having students read choral music immediately. (CMK)

This paper emphasizes the importance of music as an integral part of the education of the young child, and draws attention to a few ways in which parents and teachers can contribute to children's musical development. Sections of the paper focus on seven questions: (1) Is music really universal? (2) When should musical training begin? (3) When…

The change needed in urban music education not only relates to the idea that music should be at the center of the curriculum; rather, it is that culturally relevant music should be a creative force at the center of reform in urban education. Teaching Music in the Urban Classroom: A Guide to Survival, Success, and Reform is the start of a…

This book contains over 100 music activities to help teachers, child care providers, and parents bring the joy, theory, and practice of music to young children. An introductory chapter is followed by chapters on songs, rhythm, instruments, music centers, movement, music throughout the day, and group times. Chapters 2 through 8 each contain two…

The goals of this teacher edition, which accompanies "Music: Comprehensive Musicianship Program. Grade 6," include increasing musical understanding while developing musical skills. The 49 lessons included feature: (1) a wide range of musical concepts; (2) the presentation of musical concepts in a teaching chronology; (3) a broad musical…

Published as a teacher's edition to "Music: Comprehensive Musicianship Program. Grade 5," this text describes musical learning activities. It includes: (1) concepts to be learned; (2) a chronology for teaching the concepts; (3) a broad musical repertoire from different cultures and historical periods; (4) various approaches to musical experiences;…