Photographs and descriptions are provided of 19 early European wind, string, and keyboard instruments. (SJL)

Provides an overview of the evolution and instructional use of pianos, from their first development and use in homes to their nearly universal presence in the music classroom. Notes the strengths and weaknesses of the piano as an instrument for music instruction and concludes with recommendations for improved use. (JDH)

Discusses history of various Central American musical instruments, how the instruments were used then, and how they are used now. Much Indian music today serves to bolster Indian rights, express community pride, and serves as a badge of otherness. (AN)

Describes the types of musical instruments brought by colonists to early New England and the gradual introduction of instrumental music into church services, despite Puritan leaders' disapproval of music. (SJL)

Discusses the traditional music of the Agua Caliente band of California's Desert Cahuilla Indian tribe, including accompanying instruments, types of songs, thematic material, and performance routines. Exploring the structure of the music, the article describes meter, tempo, harmony and tonal gravitations, and use of words. (DS)

Describes the historical development of the British Maidstone Movement, a group violin instructional program for children. Examines the impact of the movement upon instrumental classes in U.S. public schools. (RKM)

The harp as a symbol of the Irish people is discussed. The first part of the paper discusses the early use of the harp in Irish society and how the magical powers of this instrument affected the natives and invaders of the small island for centuries. From the time of the Celtic occupation of Ireland in 500 BC, music played by harpers has been…

The author describes the evolution of the American musical since 1750 and emphasizes the often overlooked importance of the orchestrator. She discusses the talents of several extraordinarily gifted musicians. (KC)

Panola County, Texas Sheriff Corbett Akins wrote a weekly column for the "Panola Watchman" in which he chronicled the adventures and mishaps of his force. He provides a wealth of information about East Texas life on everything from making fiddles, to running bloodhounds, to finding moonshine stills. The columns reprinted appeared from…

The author reviews major styles of secular Western music from the early Middle Ages through the sixteenth century, pointing out features that would appeal to a modern audience. A selected list of published collections of early music is appended. (SJL)

Son Jarocho (specifically from Veracruz) is a song-and-dance form originating in Spain and implanted in Mexico during 17th- and 18th-century colonization. The jarocho style of music today is one of Latin America's most unique forms, using one to four instruments and characterized by its distinctive rhythm. (LC)

The descriptions of Polynesian music and dance resulting from Cook's voyages influenced the romantic composers of the early nineteenth century, especially in the incorporation of exotic and mystical themes. (Author)

How Philadelphia's Settlement Music School provides music education for the handicapped is described. The origins of the school, current educational practices, and future plans are discussed. One particular achievement of the school was the development of a guide that defines the physical requirements needed to play a particular musical…

Early in the year 1919 a questionnaire was sent by the Bureau of Education to all the universities and colleges in the United States. A large proportion of replies was received, as 419 out of 585 institutions returned answered questionnaires. Most of the important institutions of learning are represented in the replies and in most cases we may…

The author examines Maria Montessori's philosophy and methods of music education for children, with its emphasis on sensory, manipulative materials and instruments designed specifically for the young child. (KC)