Questions what students should know about music and claims that they need an increased awareness of the value of U.S. music, both as music and as representative of U.S. culture. Suggests that teachers can use ready made lists as starting points, but encourages them to compile their own. (KM)

Describes the role of arts education and, specifically, music education in Japanese schools. Outlines the music curriculum and teaching methods in elementary and secondary schools. Describes the role of western music and compares music education in Japan and the United States. (CFR)

Analyzes the results of an experiment involving 449 undergraduate students (180 music majors and 269 nonmusic majors). They completed a preference-rating scale concerning musical characteristics from world music excerpts. Delineates the various characteristics preferred by both. In general, musicians had higher preference means. (MJP)

Describes the production of operas in a second-grade classroom. Explains how the project requires an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Contends that elementary, secondary, and even higher education students would benefit from this activity. (CFR)

Examines Houston Baker's argument for rap music's place in academe. Baker suggests rap as being one of the most creative and productive forms of cultural expression to come along in some time warranting the same kind of scholarly attention afforded the works of history's most noted philosophers and poets. (GLR)

Points out importance of the Paideia Proposal for music and music education, including educating all students in music, emphases on performance and appreciation, and programs for music teacher education. Notes limitations of the proposal with regard to music teacher education. (MH)

Presents results of study of perception of beat across range of stimulus speeds. Finds that college music majors and graduate students perceived faster rates of presentation as subdivisions of slower beat tempi. Concludes that nonmusic subjects perceived stimulus tones as beats regardless of rate of presentation. Urges further research using…

Outlines approaches for introducing multicultural music into the standard music appreciation class. Notes the close relationship and influence shared by Middle Eastern and Western music and recommends using this as a starting point. Includes selected resources on world music and recommended music selections. (MJP)

A series of class exercises for Italian language instruction based on a song, "La Vita Mia" by Amedeo Minghi, is presented. The song was selected because of its rich literary content and appealing melody. Objectives, in-class activities, and homework assignments are outlined. In them, students listen to the song, discuss the relationship…

To investigate the effects of background music on perception and retention of a dramatic television presentation's cognitive content, 107 English literature students were randomly assigned to one of five background treatments for a play. Four of the videotaped presentations included background music; Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6; Japanese jazz;…

Contends that music educators must develop a stronger rationale for music education in the face of economic pressures and questions about the value of aesthetic education. Argues that music educators must stress both the utilitarian and aesthetic objectives of music. Includes six basic rationale statements for music education. (CFR)

An experimental course for the study of acoustics is taught at Hampshire College for students interested in the interface of physics and music. This paper outlines the course, describes the basic techniques it employs, gives examples of successful exercises, and discusses some difficulties not yet overcome. Computers are heavily utilized, removing…

Outlines the efforts of the National Endowment for the Arts' Chamber Music Rural Residencies (CMRR) program. The program seeks to educate and develop audiences for classical music in urban and rural areas. Discusses many of the classical orchestras and ensembles that the CMRR supports throughout the country. (MJP)

Reports on a study where subjects were asked to evaluate the level of musical intensity expressed in various music excerpts. Defines musical intensity as that which conveys strong, ardent, or concentrated emotion. Compares subjects' ongoing evaluation (continuous) with a single concluding (summative) evaluation. Includes a list of orchestral…

The progress of three groups of university students enrolled in a first-year German course was evaluated after one completed academic year. The achievements of two control groups, a day and an evening class taught by conventional methods, were compared with those of an experimental group taught using suggestopedic methods. Additionally, for the…