In 1959 the Ford Foundation made its first grant to support young composers teaching in high schools. Despite setbacks, this resulted in advances in thinking and attitudes in the music education world. Since then, the Music Educators National Conference has taken an active role in the expansion of this project. (CS)

Discusses how microcomputers can aid in higher-level creative processes, enabling students to experience the joy/fulfillment of spontaneous creative expression. "The Magic Melody Box" (Atari) program, in which users choose a rhythm and draw a melody line, is used as an example to illustrate the computer's potential in this area. (JN)

Four commercially available music programs are reviewed: "Music Games,""MusicMaster I,""Notes and Keys, " and "Music Tutor." These and other programs enable secondary/college students and adults to study music theory and acquire music training without the aid of an instructor. (JN)

Recent developments affecting educational institutions provide guidelines: first, for the videotaping and use of television programs by nonprofit educational institutions and, second, for the copying of music. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the importance of teaching improvisation. Defines improvisation as the spontaneous generation of melody and rhythm without specific preparation or premeditation. Answers reasons for not teaching improvisation. Suggests training the ear, providing models, allowing for imitation, developing performance facility, guaranteeing success, and…

This discussion of copyright law on music focuses on the special problems of the band director who wishes to make a special arrangement or alteration of a copyrighted work. Guidelines and a sample form are provided for securing the publisher's permission to arrange a musical work. (SJL)

Describes a strategy for teaching blues improvisation to beginning and intermediate level improvisation students. Focuses on three aspects of the method: (1) phrase structure; (2) dramatic shape; and (3) thematic development. Includes a bibliography of resources and a list of terminology. (CMK)

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)

Offers ideas for teaching musicians to be improvisors. Suggests that structure, organization, and continuity are problems that can be solved by learning to improvise. Recommends exercises in building phrases to help students acquire a sense of the developing whole. Concludes that improvisation can be taught by showing students how to teach…

Contends that teaching contemporary music pieces that are largely improvised provides an ideal learning opportunity for students. Focuses on the piece "Improvisations I," stating that the version presented is intended for college students. Describes the performance of each section of the piece and provides suggestions for rehearsal. (CMK)

Discusses the life and career of William Schuman, addressing his career in music with a focus on his work as a composer. Explores his work as the president of the Juilliard School of Music and of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (New York City, New York). Focuses on his philosophy of music education. (CMK)

Focuses on how important it is for teachers to understand music editorial practices. Explains that the knowledge can help them select appropriate performing editions of music for their classes. Provides background information on editorial practices and the philosophy and methodology behind them. Discusses the nature of primary sources. (CMK)

Discusses the condition in which people are confused about the nature and use of intellect in the arts. Focuses on associated dilemmas, the root cause, and how to address them. Explore topics such as musical/artistic mindedness and the benefits of a comprehensive music education. Includes suggestions. (CMK)

Evaluates MUSICSHAPES, a graphic music construction software program which manipulates sound in terms of pitch, rhythm, timbre, and sequence to help students create complex synthesizer compositions. Intended for ages eight to adult, the program utilizes Apple II computers and additional hardware. Discusses how MUSICSHAPES can be used effectively…

Discusses improvisation as a phenomenon. Offers suggestions for a learning sequence. Warns against allowing students to skip levels. Identifies developmental levels of improvisation as exploration, process-oriented, product-oriented, fluid, structural, stylistic, and personal improvisation. Urges that improvisation can and should be a meaningful…