At this point, it's pretty much indisputable: The guitar is a cool instrument. For many years, it's appealed to students because of its prominence in popular music. Lightweight, portable, and inexpensive, it makes a more immediate impact than most other instruments--players can begin to make satisfying music on guitar with just a few easy chord…

They have worked as professional musicians, taught in several school districts, and even created a children's educational music video series, all while raising five kids of their own. But as they move into yet another chapter of their careers as music educators, Chuck and Mary Lynn McMichael are still crazy after all these years. Crazy about…

According to the Austin-based Amati Foundation (a nonprofit group that supports programs for the stringed arts), over the past several decades the number of public school districts offering instruction for violin, viola, and cello has plummeted, from as high as 80 percent in 1960 to less than 19 percent today. Lack of public funding for stringed…

In the "Divertimento" section of "Teaching Music," teachers share stories, strategies, and quesitons with their colleagues. This "Divertimento" covers the following topics: (1) one teacher's surprise at a student's novel take on the tambourine; (2) a question about teaching bowing symbols to beginning students; and (3) a question about breaking…

In teaching band or orchestra, a teachers often find that beginning and intermediate trumpet players may have trouble reaching notes in the instrument's higher register. In this article, the author offers some ideas and techniques that teachers can use in helping students achieve good sound as they head for the high notes. Producing high-register…

The search for band and orchestra repertoire is a quest for quality. It is easy for band or orchestra directors to find lists of music; in fact, the quantity is often overwhelming; professional magazines, free miniscores and CDs, and the constant stream of offerings from publishers bombard the music teacher with the message "buy me." The sheer…

Activities in music class allow students, especially students with hearing impairments, to explore new means of expression and to enhance existing ones. Additional benefits may include increases in auditory awareness, cognitive ability, attention span, memory recall, and vocabulary. Students with hearing impairments can learn and flourish in music…

Asserts that good band members play in tune because they listen during tuning routines and playing exercises. Maintains that the usual method of tuning bands, adapted from the orchestra, does not work. Presents recommendations for band tuning routines and methods for band members to develop listening skills. (CFR)

Recommends singing as an instructional strategy for string and other instrument classes. Maintains that singing familiarizes the student with the music and can serve as an illustrative example of musical techniques. Includes a list of tonal objectives found in repertory songs. Briefly reviews several instructional texts. (MJP)

Contends that many violin and viola students develop preferences based on fear of using more difficult fingering techniques. Recommends that students be exposed to advanced techniques earlier in a matter-of-fact approach. Includes a list of four books recommended for further reading. (CFR)

Identifies keyboards as effective vehicles for long-term and in-depth music instruction. Recommends using keyboard instruction as a centerpiece for meeting the National Standards for Music Education. Describes a number of instructional activities supporting this goal. (MJP)

Maintains that use of the Suzuki, Orff, and Dalcroze methods have assisted string teachers in helping music students achieve mastery from the beginning of instruction. Describes how these methods are used by five music teachers. Includes addresses of organizations that provide information about these music teaching methods. CFR)

Maintains that many music education associations sponsor chorus or band festivals at the middle and high school levels, but meeting the needs of prekindergarten and primary students is a more challenging task. Describes a one-day music festival for early elementary children. (CFR)

Recommends elementary school projects where children design and make their own musical instruments. Maintains that this familiarizes students with the family of instruments and how they produce sound. The built instruments can be as simple as a washtub bass or as complex as an electronic synthesizer. (MJP)

Contends that, from the earliest possible moment and even before birth, it is apparent that babies respond to sound stimuli. Presents a series of music activities designed to make music an integral part of children's lives. Includes activities involving singing, rhythm, musical instruments, and listening to guest musicians in the classroom. (CFR)