The purpose of this instrumental case study was to chronicle high school students' creative experiences in a songwriting course. Ten students in Grades 10-12 composed original songs, learned to accompany themselves on keyboard and 'ukulele, and performed their songs in class and at a coffee shop. Data sources consisted of classroom observations,…

This study investigated required repertoire lists for state music education associations' choral performance assessment events in the National Association for Music Education North Central division. Questions included: (a) How many states have required repertoire lists; (b) What categories/genres and historical time periods are represented on…

Musical composition is widely considered to be a fundamental component of good musicianship. Recent state and national standards make it clear that preservice music teachers will be expected to include the teaching of musical composition in their curricula when they enter the field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the integration of…

The purpose of this literature review is to define verbal protocols and explore how two methodological tools -- think-alouds and stimulated recall -- may apply to research in music education practices. Pinpointing the inner workings of these processes may extend the ongoing work within music education and further support how novice music teachers…

As we approach the year 2020, it is important to consider the impact of the Housewright Symposium, and to evaluate the development of music education since the publication of the "Housewright Declaration". The purpose of this article was to (1) examine music education in America through the lens of selected "we agree"…

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the effect of ear playing instruction on adult amateur wind instrumentalists' musical self-efficacy. Ten volunteer members of a community band in a small town in Ohio completed the "Ear Playing Profile" both prior to and following an eight-week period of instruction in playing by ear…

Directors strive for a unified sound throughout their wind and orchestra ensembles. Articulation affects sound uniformity among winds and strings. This baseline study examined whether a trumpet player could better match a violin player's articulation, as perceived by participants listening to a recording of two performances, when: (a) performing…

This study examined the programming trends of the elite wind bands/ensembles of the Atlantic Coast Conference universities. Using survey techniques previously employed by Powell (2009) and Paul (2010; in press), we contacted the directors of the Atlantic Coast Conference band programs and requested concert programs from their top groups for the…

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of teaching beginning wind instrumentalists using a sound-before-sight (aural) approach, designed to foster the connections between eyes, ears, and fingers; and capitalize on students' musical intuitions. Participants received one hour of weekly instruction for 15 weeks. One group (n = 10)…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of choral voice-part training/experience and music complexity on focus of attention to melody or harmony. Participants (N = 150) were members of auditioned university choral ensembles divided by voice-part (sopranos, n = 44; altos, n = 33; tenors, n = 35; basses, n = 38). The music…

Describes a pilot study where choral conducting students used miniaturized scores (simplified scores that focus on specific gestural problems). Students received three simplified scores, each one highlighting a different approach. Students overwhelmingly favored the simplified score using a cuing technique. Includes, score excerpts, student…