This was the twenty-second article in the Journal's bicentennial series. In it the author wrote about the achievements of noted black American composers. (RK)

Article focused on the development and the music of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly called Shakers, since their arrival in the United States on August 6, 1774. (RK)

Article explained how Louis Braille developed a system of notation for music and literature. (RK)

Author examined what exactly music is and what we get out of it. (Author/RK)

Provides some music literature sources for band and wind ensembles. Since music literature is crucial to both musical groups and the music curriculum evolves from music, these references are most important. (RK)

Looks back at the music literature of electronic music for the past thirty years to see what has been developed that is worthwhile as music and for use in music education situations. (Editor/RK)

On October 19, 1976, President Ford signed the nation's first comprehensive revision of our copyright law since 1909. It became fully effective on January 1, 1978 and it is a law that will need to be understood by music educators both to improve their teaching and to protect themselves and their schools from incurring liability or being sued. This…

Discusses the life of William Billings, an early American composer and a leader in one of the earliest forms of organized music education in the United States: singing schools and singing societies. Examines his contributions to the U.S. musical heritage and briefly surveys his publications. (GEA)

Ellen Zwilich was the first young woman to earn a doctorate in composition from the Juilliard School, and in 1983, she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. In this interview, she discusses many topics, including her music and what she looks for in an audience. (RM)

William Grant Still died in 1978, but excerpts from a 1968 interview are now made available. Still discusses his life and work, especially his experiences as a Black composer in a still largely segregated America. He attempted to integrate his classical training with his roots in Black culture. (CS)

The Music Industry Council serves as a liaison between the music educators of the United States and the manufacturing and publishing firms that supply the materials and equipment used in music education. Here are specific suggestions for the guidance of music educators in the business contacts essential to their teaching programs. (Editor/RK)

Explains exactly how great an impact American music and musicians have had abroad, and how overly cautious we tend to be in recognizing our own gifts. (Editor/RK)

The author described a course in freshman composition that he designed. In it students were taught not only to write effectively but also to study composers and other artists. The intention was for students to learn about persons who created musical works and other art while learning about themselves. (RK)

Article provides statements and questions about music education as well as responses and answers in attempting to develop conceptual awareness for students and teachers. (RK)

Records a conversation between American composer Aaron Copland and Malcolm E. Besson, editor of Music Educators Journal. Mr. Copland discusses teaching, American music, and notes the greater number of composers writing today, and the livelier atmosphere of college music departments. (DS)