Provides suggestions for teachers new to Edwin Gordon's music learning theory, describing an incremental approach to audiation-based instrumental music instruction. Discusses teaching methods to introduce audiation, improving students' audiation skills, using tonal patterns to improve intonation, and Gordon's rhythm syllable system. Includes a…

Focuses on the use of assessment rubrics with musical composition. Provides guidelines for musical composition assignments and describes the construction and use of rubrics. Includes four example assessment rubrics. (CMK)

Discusses music education in light of Public Law 94-142, the implications of which are that handicapped persons have the right to receive the same level of services in arts education as nonhandicapped individuals. (Editor/RK)

The support and involvement of a state department of education is invaluable in the maintenance of an arts in general education program. Describes some AGE programs made possible through state cooperation. As well, state arts agencies can be valuable allies in developing and implementing a local or state plan for the arts in general education.…

What music teachers can do to prevent students from dropping out of band is discussed. Suggestions include talking with the child, working with other teachers, getting support from parents, and taking a good look at the music program itself. (RM)

A surprising number of school districts do not have an official policy regarding the teaching of religious music. Teachers should personally take action, working through whatever channels are effective, to encourage local boards to develop quality policies dealing with this issue. (RM)

Describe four different laws related to the education of children with disabilities: (1) Public Law 94-142; (2) Public Law 99-457; (3) Public Law 101-336 ADA; and (4) Public Law 101-476 IDEA. Discusses the topic of mainstreaming and highlights the recent legal decisions that have occurred. (CMK)

States that outside factors affect talented high school and university students when making decisions about selecting a major other than one that will lead them to become a future music educator. Explains how current music teachers can encourage students to choose music education as a major by clearly stating the career advantages and…

Discusses how to develop musicality in young percussion students. Focuses on training students in versatility, developing their skills in technical areas, teaching them about entrance, sustaining and release, and selecting the appropriate equipment. Includes a list of "Suggestions for Fostering Musicality in Student Percussionists." (CMK)

Focuses on the Manhattanville College (Purchase, New York) Music Curriculum Project (MMCP) that examined how to improve music education in schools. Discusses topics, such as aesthetic expression, learning and development, the characteristics of music teachers in the MMCP, and the MMCP and national standards. (CMK)

Discusses the educational benefits of using peer tutors for all students involved in music education. Explores how music teachers can develop and implement a peer tutoring program, discussing topics such as logistic factors, selecting and training students, pairing students together, and evaluation. Lists steps for implementation. (CMK)

Cites some current problems in string teaching and encourages teachers to be more aggressive in providing for future string programs. Suggests that starting novice string players in later grades, developing effective student and program evaluation, establishing competent planning and scheduling, and using positive program promotion will ensure an…

Believes that the first step in developing students practice habits is by enabling them to understand that the goal of practice is performance. Describes five components of an effective practice session: (1) setup; (2) preparation; (3) warm-up; (4) maintenance; and (5) advancement. Addresses the implications for teachers. (CMK)

States that creating "authentic" world music arrangements that are faithful to indigenous performances provides a means for teaching instrumental students about the sounds of other cultures. Discusses how to choose a piece of world music, how to transcribe a performance, and how to develop the arrangement. Addresses additional instructional…

Discusses the importance of the creative musical experience for students as a means to maintaining their music appreciation. Argues that music teachers must be leaders for music education to thrive. Focuses on the promotion of music education and lists qualities of successful music teachers. (CMK)