Reports on a study that aimed to develop teaching cases for instrumental music education methods courses through analysis of current teaching practice. Using a case study design based on four experienced instrumental music teachers, the study documented daily interactions, decision-making skills, and use of pedagogical knowledge. Offers research…

Presents ideas on how to begin a chamber music ensemble. Discusses how to find time to accomplish chamber music playing in and around the school day. Presents short descriptions of chamber music that can be used with ensembles. Includes chamber music resources and additional chamber works. (CMK)

The National String Project Consortium was designed to encourage string education majors to become string teachers and to stimulate growth of new school orchestra programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which these goals were accomplished across 13 university sites in 2003-2004. Survey data were obtained from project…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sex and race identification on the assignment of instruments to beginning band students. Participants (N = 201) were music educators solicited by university professors across the United States. Participants completed an online survey about instrument assignments. Half the participants were…

In this article, the authors share the story of Stephanie, a dyslexic student who experiences problems reading music. The authors recommend for music teachers to share the list of students wanting to play an instrument with special educators to find out if there are students who are receiving special education services, what their strengths and…

Undergraduate training represents a crucial stage of development for instrumentalists, including singers, as they begin to mature as independent musicians and learners. This paper asks how instrumental and vocal teachers in higher education approach this stage of student development. It focuses on the use of questions by teachers, as they…

Early in the year 1919 a questionnaire was sent by the Bureau of Education to all the universities and colleges in the United States. A large proportion of replies was received, as 419 out of 585 institutions returned answered questionnaires. Most of the important institutions of learning are represented in the replies and in most cases we may…

Reports on a study of verbal behaviors of 25 piano teachers in private lessons. Finds significant differences resulting from student age in presentation of musical information, teacher talk, teacher coaching, and student participation. Also finds that student perceived as "average" received significantly more directive comments. (CFR)

Gives five examples from music teachers about how they use different types of technology, in particular the electronic keyboard, in their classrooms. Demonstrates the contrasting methods of each of these teachers, but illustrates, at the same time, how they all have met the same ends: to enhance music education through technology. (CMK)

Frank Leto, a professional musician and a Montessori teacher, discusses his professional music career, family, the arts in Montessori education, the lifestyle of a professional musician, writing children's songs, and percussion instruments. Provides advice for teachers of music. (SD)

Frank Callaway, the fourth Honorary President of ISME, was a New Zealander who contributed greatly to raising the profile of music education in both that country and Australia. His essentially democratic view of music education was moulded by his teaching experience at King Edward Technical College in Dunedin. At the University of Western…

Presents results of a study of the relationship between the diagnostic skills of string music teachers and the performance competencies of their students. Reports no significant relationship between teacher skills and student competencies. Presents teacher ratings of the influence of 22 factors on students' musical achievement. (SG)

Advocates using the singing voice and the study of folk music in instrumental instruction. Recommends instrumental teachers confer with voice teachers to coordinate ideas and terminology. Includes several excerpts of scores and musical exercises, as well as a list of selected resources. (MJP)

This article discusses the results of a survey conducted by the author asking music teachers why they leave their jobs. The author compiled an e-mail survey and sent it to instrumental music teachers who were making plans to leave their jobs for new positions or to leave the music education profession entirely. In order to widen the pool of…

Popular and world music play an important role in Dutch music education. This article examines two case studies that illustrate authentic music learning environments in which these types of music are prominently used. The first case follows a student during her training at the Rotterdam Academy for Music Education, in which her own musical and…