The search for band and orchestra repertoire is a quest for quality. It is easy for band or orchestra directors to find lists of music; in fact, the quantity is often overwhelming; professional magazines, free miniscores and CDs, and the constant stream of offerings from publishers bombard the music teacher with the message "buy me." The sheer…

Care of musical instruments should be a part of every student's music education. What students should know about caring for pianos is discussed. The main parts of the piano--the cabinet, the mechanical part, the musical part, and the structure--are discussed. Tuning and pitch raise are also discussed. (RM)

MENC has recently, recapitulated its vision of "Music for All" in its strategic plan, which warns that "30 to 50 per cent of new teachers who work in urban areas leave the field in their first three years of service.'' This undoubtedly affects instrumental music instruction for urban children. Collegial sharing is one solution to problems…

Contends that many violin and viola students develop preferences based on fear of using more difficult fingering techniques. Recommends that students be exposed to advanced techniques earlier in a matter-of-fact approach. Includes a list of four books recommended for further reading. (CFR)

Recommends adding electronic keyboard to vocally based music curricula for elementary students. Argues that the keyboard provides a graphic representation for musical understanding. Suggests teaching keyboard in small, manageable, hierarchically structured steps. Offers suggestions from finger placement and creating sound effects in first grade to…

This book focuses on music as a subject relating to all other disciplines. "On the Teaching of Music," the first of 12 chapters, sets the theoretical and philosophical basis for a child-centered, subject-integrated teaching approach through autobiographical narrative. Chapter 2, "A Music Playground," advocates the presentation of materials and…

Maintains that to prepare students for the next century, music teachers must prepare them to be technologically literate in music. Describes the technology-based music education program at Ortega Elementary School in Austin, Texas. (CFR)