A number of scholars have investigated the roots of the "Arirang," although the origins are debated. Most agree that the original form of the song "Arirang" was first found upstream from Seoul along the Han River. The lyrics told the story of a woman waiting for her lover on the bank of the river. The term "Arirang"…

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…

Discusses the use of imagination as a tool to improve students' musicianship. Suggests that imagery can be used to teach intonation, tone color, sight-reading, and expression. Describes active listening in which the students must use musical memory and participate in musical expression to produce a certain sound that may be difficult to describe.…

Contends the history and values that lie behind Jewish music offer music educators more than the holiday songs normally utilized. Discusses a variety of ways that Jewish music can enrich students' understanding of and appreciation for music history. Lists important composers of Jewish and non-Jewish background who have produced Jewish music. (DB)

Supports the use of novels in music classes to activate student interest in an unfamiliar field. Shows how "Come Sing, Jimmy Jo" (K. Paterson), "Pennington's Seventeenth Summer" (K.M. Peyton), and "Jazz Country" (N. Hentoff) can enhance music learning because characters engage in aesthetic judgment, struggle with…

Points out that high school band programs are often geared toward entertainment and the short-term reward of competitive recognition. Suggests the goal should be toward the development of musical skills including understanding, creating, and appreciating the art of music. Suggests how band programs can contribute to the music education curriculum.…

Describes how a local symphony orchestra changed its educational program for children to improve attendance and heighten music appreciation. Discusses the rationale for the new approach and includes descriptions of themes. Concludes that music appreciation programs must identify and utilize various motivational approaches. (CFR)

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)

Summarizes discussions at a symposium of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) of multicultural music education. Offers ideas about the teaching of African-American, Native American, Asian-American, and Hispanic music. Presents MENC's resolution supporting multicultural music education. Describes the symposium as a major event in…

Describes a summer school program in which secondary students collaborated to build an opera company. Details the activities of seven days in the first stage of the three-stage project. Concludes that the experience built democratic values. (CFR)

Describes a college level course in opera for nonmusic education students. Contends that students benefited from the enriching experience of the course. Includes a list of 10 operas recommended for an introductory course. (CFR)

Reviews current research findings in the field of music in early childhood. Focuses on the musical development of the average child, citing evidence of music cognition and of music production. Reports some model programs established by music educators to work with parents and preschools to encourage musical development in the young child. (LS)

Discusses the changes taking place in music education and how they will affect the training of future music teachers. Suggests that teachers should be prepared to present music in a general yet varied format. Includes the necessity of promoting musical experiences and appreciation of musical events in desired curriculum changes. (DK)

Describes how a 1913 Music Supervisors National Conference (MENC) committee identified 18 songs to be included in the curriculum and taught to all U.S. students. Reviews the expansion of the song list and its contribution to a common repertoire for U.S. community sings. (GG)

Discusses how listening, in conjunction with questioning and classroom dialogues, promotes critical thinking about music. Suggests that classroom interaction encourages analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of content. Lists ways music teachers can stimulate critical thinking, including an activity called structural dictation, and the development of…