What can be done to re-orient a field of education like music, when far too many teachers teach the way they were taught using traditional procedures that stupefy and deaden students to the subject matter, rather than working creatively to invigorate and empower them to become thoughtfully engaged, independent music makers? The essays in this…

As we approach the year 2020, it is important to consider the impact of the Housewright Symposium, and to evaluate the development of music education since the publication of the "Housewright Declaration". The purpose of this article was to (1) examine music education in America through the lens of selected "we agree"…

The article is based on a phenomenological way of thinking about knowledge and learning and will treat the concepts of response and critical friends as ways of sharing experience in higher music education. The problem area I want to illuminate is how teachers, who educate musicians, can use and facilitate development of their students' skills…

This article describes a collaborative clinical field experience initiative conceived to provide meaningful fieldwork for preservice music educators, musically engage underserved students in a high-poverty school, and include instruction on composition and improvisation. The author chronicles the planning, implementation, and subsequent revisions…

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)

A survey was conducted to determine the amount of autonomy for each of three music faculty types (performers, theorists-historians, and music educators). Autonomy was measured by comparing the actual time devoted to the various job-related activities with the time each faculty type would like to devote to the activities. A questionnaire listing 16…

Recommends commissioning new works as a challenging and motivating learning experience for high school and college bands. Includes several guidelines for negotiating costs and performance rights with the composer, as well as other technical details. Discusses specific problems arising from this arrangement and possible solutions. (MJP)

Compares 174 music theory and composition professors' opinions about eminence among contemporary U.S. composers to frequency of works performed by 29 U.S. symphony orchestras. Finds faculty-perceived eminence and programing practices moderately related. Suggests some consensus among faculty and orchestra surveys regarding composer eminence. (CH)

Offers an interview with Sir David Wilcocks, an organist, conductor, and music educator, in which he discusses different organs, what influenced him to become a musician, his experience of teaching a boy's choir, the characteristics of a great ensemble, musical compositions, his "Glories of Shakespeare" collection, and the importance of…

A survey was conducted to determine the ways in which various factors help in the achievement of status for the three types of music faculty (performance, theory and history, and music education). A questionnaire was sent to 207 full-time music faculty members in six state-supported university schools/departments of music. A response rate of 54.6%…

Discusses how music teachers can begin a gospel choir at the middle school through university levels. Provides a historical background on gospel choirs and presents the benefits of having a gospel choir. Focuses on issues teachers should address, how to teach this type of choir, and common misconceptions. (CMK)

Considers why students should participate in a chamber music ensemble: (1) students develop a sense of collegiality and self-worth; (2) ensembles encourage practice time; and (3) ensembles provide flexible performance opportunities. Highlights the different aspects of creating an ensemble from the availability of faculty to selecting challenging…

Born in 1910, composer William Schuman has been deeply involved with music education, first as a college professor and later a president of the Julliard School of Music. In this interview, Schuman talks about what music means to him, his teaching career, and music in general education. (RM)

Asserts that a revolution has been occurring in musicology since the 1970s. Contends that music has change from being only a source of emotion to appearing more open to science and techniques based on computer technology. Describes recent research and other writings about the topic and provides an extensive bibliography. (CFR)