Only a few of the author's music students are dedicated to music as a possible career. Most squeeze their lessons in between soccer tournaments and play practices, homework and a social life. As their only musical outlet, the author feels a double responsibility. Her goal is to open children's minds and hearts to the world of music--for them to…

There is a long history of debate over what opera is. Since it's more or less formal beginning in the sixteenth century as a reconstruction of ancient drama, opera as an art form has been controversial. The received understanding--emphasized by the genre's founders and in periodic efforts at reforming the standards of composition and…

Describes the summer program at St. Agnes School, in Kentucky, which puts on musicals about social issues. Focuses on the theme of this summer's musical, which is the futility and danger of violence. Discusses the awareness that the summer program musical has brought to the children. (AJL)

A preschool teacher in Japan tells how she uses "the artifacts of advancement," such as the songs children have become familiar with through watching television, to educate "the feeling heart" of young children and lead them to involvement with and appreciation of nature. After a description of the Sasanoha kindergarten in…

To help meet the needs of nonmusic-major students in grade 9, 10, 11, and 12, this teacher's guide offers guidelines for a course to stimulate students' interest and involvement in folksinging. Guidelines are provided on the role of the teacher, methods of instruction, and suggested time allotments. Brief descriptions and comments on some typical…

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;…

The second year's activities of a fine arts educational program, funded under ESEA Title 3 and encompassing 184 schools in five central Illinois counties, are described and evaluated. The art activities evaluated are art demonstrations, art workshops, a materials resource center, adult programs, Saturday art centers, the Logan County Fine Arts…