Educators need to develop teaching strategies that allow children to explore creative musical processes that will nurture musical skills, self-awareness, and imagination. A sequence of five lessons encompassing language arts and music demonstrates how students can develop creativity by writing haiku and then composing music to accompany the poems.…

A learning sequence is sketched that enables children to have valid experiences in music, language, mathematics, and movement, more or less simultaneously. The activity starts with a short tune and works toward a song as the solution to the problem. The creation of a dance follows the writing of the song. (RH)

Describes an activity designed to develop middle school choral students' writing skills: students wrote letters to the composers or arrangers of pieces they had performed at concerts; the students could address topics such as their reaction to the piece, general questions about composing, or discussing the performance of the piece. (CMK)

This manual was designed to accompany a computer software resource (Macintosh diskette and three CD-Rom discs) aimed at helping students with no previous musical knowledge, develop specific comprehension skills in classical music. The materials are based on the premise that conventional musical forms are abstract prototypes of whole classes of…

Oregon's common curriculum goals for music education, an area of study that addresses the components of valuing music, developing music literacy, performing music, and creating music are presented. An overall goal for each one of these four strands is established, and then the content specific knowledge and skills that students should possess by…

This syllabus/handbook is designed to aid teachers and administrators in developing a music course to meet the New York State Commission of Education's requirements for a one year high school Music In Our Lives (MIOL) class. This class encompasses the areas of listening, performing, composing, using basic tool skills, and developing special…

The introduction for this Alberta (Canada) music education guide offers reasons for students to study the fine arts at the secondary school level. A philosophy of music education is presented along with 5 key outcomes and 11 music appreciation expectations for secondary students to attain. The volume features wind and percussion instruments. The…

This book integrates music education with literature and social studies. Lessons are based on children's books. Some suggested books include illustrated folk songs or explanations of style or form in musical history. Others are inherently musical in the lyricism of the author's words or the rhythm of the text. Each lesson is self contained. The…

Encapsulates a series of verbatim statements made by young musicians about the joy music has brought to their lives. The musicians, all students at Black Mountain Middle School in San Diego, California, exhibit a wide range of responses discussing their commitment, hard work, and sense of accomplishment. (MJP)

Charts the development of music education from early utilitarianism up to its current emphasis on aesthetic value. Recent attempts to pursue music education as an interdisciplinary subject have been limited due to budget cuts. Briefly discusses this financial crisis and suggests some sources of alternative funding. (MJP)

Explains and characterizes some of the basic concepts of East African music. Fundamentally an enhanced way of storytelling, East African music techniques are rooted in the play and rhythm of spoken language. Compares and contrasts East African and Western musical conventions. Includes a list of East African music resources. (MJP)

Profiles music scholar Charles L. Seeger and his contribution to U.S. musical life. Seeger played a significant role in introducing vernacular music to schools, extending the definition of U.S. music in the curriculum, presenting music as a cultural subject, and promoting musical diversity in the classroom. (MJP)

Reiterates the common wisdom of teaching the musical sounds before the corresponding signs in early music education. Stresses the phenomenological importance of teaching the relationships among the sounds as part of a tonal unit. Advocates beginning music education with the students' specific musical culture. (MJP)

Attempts a deeper understanding of, and justification for, music education by concentrating on its application in two historic periods. Contrasts the utilitarian approach of Greek civilization with the religious and liturgical concepts of the Medieval period. Asserts that historical awareness is an integral component of music education. (MJP)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)