For the past century and more, music education in the United States has focused primarily on Western European music traditions. Despite considerable efforts to include music from other regions and peoples in the curriculum, traditional music from world cultures is still not greatly represented. The benefits of a curriculum that incorporates…

A very successful artist-in-education program in which jazz musicians introduced elementary students in Augusta (Georgia) to jazz music is described. Students were involved in many activities, including instrumental improvisation, singing, reading staff notation, choreography, and composing jazz. (RM)

The San Francisco Opera Guild sponsors the Operatunities Program which introduces elementary and secondary students in California to opera. For example, each year the Scholar Opera visits 130 schools from San Francisco to San Jose, exposing approximately 50,000 youngsters to the music and drama of opera. (RM)

Described is a "Composer in Residence" project in which a local choral songwriter participated in a semester-long music course for fourth and fifth graders. He visited the schools and composed an instrumental work which the students performed at a spring concert. (RM)

Since American society is multicultural, a wealth of resources exists in the community and is available for instruction and research. A model for collecting and organizing musical examples from the community is presented. (RM)

Music education in the schools should be geared to "all" children, not only to those who eventually choose music as a vocation. Discusses ways music can be useful and effective in other chosen careers, the job market for music graduates, and the job requirements that students must consider and music teachers must prepare them for in seeking music…

A comprehensive arts in education program is made up of four segments: specialized arts instruction, arts in general education, community arts resources, and arts for special populations. Each of these segments is discussed. A selective bibliography to help fine arts educators involved in curriculum development is provided. (RM)