Contends that music educators must develop a stronger rationale for music education in the face of economic pressures and questions about the value of aesthetic education. Argues that music educators must stress both the utilitarian and aesthetic objectives of music. Includes six basic rationale statements for music education. (CFR)

Argues that history must be included in the study of music to understand the context of the composer's era. Maintains that historical performance information, music technology, the place of music in society, music literature, and performing practices also should be included. Provides four charts of recommended resources. (CFR)

Describes ways in which choral directors may help performers understand and interpret the affective aspects of music. Offers suggestions for analyzing music scores and for teaching students about a composition's background and emotional message. (LS)

Considers the implications of discipline-based art education (DBAE) for music education. Recounts the historical shift in art education that produced DBAE. Identifies DBAE's characteristics. Explores the influence of the Getty Center for Education in the Arts upon DBAE. Urges further discussion of incorporating DBAE ideas into music education. (CH)

Suggests effective music instruction helps children use extramusical analogies to describe what they hear. Introduces music vocabulary, and asks questions that guide students to complete musical descriptions. Claims meaningful description is the result of training that is focused on developing listening skills. (NL)

Suggests expanding the eclectic nature of a band program by creating a steel band, a Caribbean-based percussion ensemble. The steel band complements multicultural education and attracts students to the music program. Discusses maintenance, repertoire, and performance. Includes classification of pans and a list of schools with established programs.…

Discusses effective ways to develop and promote educationally sound music programs for preschool children. Covers three types of music learning centers as versatile and inexpensive resources for creating independent learning environments: singing centers, instrument centers, and listening centers. Suggests ideas for group time, and for promoting…

Discusses the need to reach beyond traditional music, especially in urban areas, where the cultural plurality of the United States is reflected in the classrooms. Urges music teachers to guide students toward sensitivity to many types of musical expression. (LS)

Contends that a number of music educators believe that music should be taught in the same rigorous, sequential, and comprehensive way that other subjects are taught. Asserts that critical thinking skills and interpretation are essential factors in this process. Recommends cooperative learning and portfolios as appropriate instructional strategies.…

Offers ideas on how to develop a course on popular music. Notes the importance of obtaining prior administrative support. Identifies materials, techniques, books, films, and community resources. Suggests several classroom projects, incorporating popular music history and music activities. Lists books, periodicals, and videotaped materials for…

Encourages music teachers to discover ways to apply research findings in their classrooms. Considers how teachers' attitudes, approaches, and applications affect research utilization. Provides a sample music listening lesson on themes and variations by applying research findings extracted from "What Works: Instructional Strategies for Music…

Reviews research results describing students' learning experiences and effective teaching methods. Addresses topics of music selection, influencing student preferences, and developing student perception and descriptive skills. Includes a 26-item bibliography of these studies. (NL)

Explains and characterizes some of the basic concepts of East African music. Fundamentally an enhanced way of storytelling, East African music techniques are rooted in the play and rhythm of spoken language. Compares and contrasts East African and Western musical conventions. Includes a list of East African music resources. (MJP)

Analyzes factors that affect listening as it relates to school band and orchestra rehearsal. Suggest that music selection, rehearsal atmosphere, and techniques that isolate specific sounds and musical elements best help students develop music listening skills. Urges conductors to promote students' active involvement in rehearsals by balancing…

Addresses choral music directors' concerns about ways in which trained and untrained audiences hear and evaluate choral music performances. Considers differing responses to two musical selections. Confirms listening skills are teachable. Offers suggestions for improving listening skills, emphasizing structure in formal auditory training. (CH)