How Piaget's theory of developmental stages affects the musical ability of children at different ages is important for the music educator to understand. The following developmental stages are discussed: sensorimotor period, preoperations period, concrete operations period, formal operations period, and creative stage. (RM)

There are many ways to increase the output of today's schools without an increase in the time spent there. The main focus should not be on how much time there is, but on how the time is used. (RM)

John Dewey believed that man can only learn about the world through experience. He included music as part of his "core curriculum," in which children learned by doing. This progressive education emphasized self-expression and individual fulfillment, but did not mean the abandonment of knowledge and techniques in teaching music. (CS)

Describes software programs in BASIC which teach music, using the Apple, Timex Sinclair 1000, TRS-80, and Commodore computers. Music educators should incorporate computer instruction into the curriculum to teach theory, history, and even practical techniques of music. Computers will never supersede the teacher, who must guide and motivate. (CS)

To get around the colleges of education and professional education courses, which usually deal with teaching methods, critics are proposing shortcuts that will grant candidates certification without their completing traditionally required courses. How these shortcuts will hurt music students is described. Music teachers should take a stand and…

Music In Our Schools Month (March) provides an excellent opportunity for music teachers to reach out beyond the school to new audiences, to people of all ages. For example, teachers can take music groups to retirement homes or ask parents and grandparents to become chorus members or attend rehearsals. (RM)

Motivating music students to practice is a perennial concern for teachers and parents. Behavioral contracts, in which the teacher or parent guarantees a certain reward in return for the student completing a designated task, is one solution. How to construct a contract is discussed. A sample contract is included. (RM)

Reading can be taught in music classes to enhance the music curriculum. Gives lesson plans and study guides for reading instruction in areas like vocabulary building, comprehension, study skills, and thinking skills, all adapted to serve musical purposes. (CS)

Considered the need for educationally sound curriculums that deal effectively with real learning about music. (Author/RK)

Unique ideas about how to maintain interest in musicals, concerts, and other music performances are described. For example, Project Parent Awareness encouraged parent participation in children's music education and the Akron (Ohio) All-City Festivals of Music provided students with performing opportunities under well-known conductors. (CS)

Describes administration and management jobs in music including those of public school and university administrators, performing arts administrators, community arts managers, and community development specialists. Educational and personal qualifications and the advantages and disadvantages of each job are discussed. (AM)

Twenty-one classroom guidelines are listed for the benefit of student and first-year music teachers. (AM)

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has been applied to music education to teach theoretical aspects of music, aid in the study of musical instruments, and teach composition. The trend in CAI is for programed instruction to provide students with active, concrete experience. (KC)

The MusicSystem is a sixteen-voice digital synthesizer consisting of a music editor, music player, music merger, and instrument definer. The system is appropriate for upper grade elementary school students and disabled students and is also sophisticated enough to accommodate advanced research and composition by professionals. (KC)

Discusses music teacher supply and demand and suggests ideas to help music education graduates get jobs. A survey conducted by the Association of School, College and University Staffing shows regional demands for vocal and instrumental teachers. Job seekers should be willing to relocate, flexible in their expectations, and qualified in several…