With so many roles to juggle and so many complex music problems to resolve, some marching band directors overlook simple rules of thumb to increase their bands' visual and musical impact. Here are some guidelines. (Author/RK)

The author states that in a melody/harmony/rhythm sense, improvising on a synthesizer is no different from improvising on any other instrument. The capabilities of synthesizers are described, and exercises and methods to be used with synthesizers are outlined. (KC)

Describes study of effects of learning procedures and performance tempo on ability of 64 middle school students to perform previously learned rhythmic passages. Reviews the four learning procedures used for each rhythmic passage. Finds no evidence attributed to learning procedure but significant adverse differences if the tempo was changed from…

A continuing pedagogical problem with preadolescent string students is the introduction and development of finger-pattern concepts. The procedures outlined in this article not only introduce and reinforce a needed kinesthetic skill but also allow the child to be creative while making music in an American idiom--the blues. (Author/SJL)

Three teaching units are presented as models for integrating the guitar in a comprehensive musicianship program. Designed for high school or college level, each emphasizes composition and improvisation. The units deal with the use of tremolo, quartal harmonic structure, and variation technique. Selected readings, music, and recordings are listed.…

Investigates the effectiveness of breathing instruction on the breath management, performance, and knowledge of breathing among college-level brass musicians. Finds that breathing instruction significantly improved the breath management and knowledge of the breathing for the experimental groups and the musical range of the trombone players in the…

Conducted during the Institute for Steelband Playing held in 1988, this study's aim was to understand how Trinidadian people view, experience, explain, and order specific elements of their musical world, with the goal of providing an information base for establishing steelband programs in Canadian schools. The study focused on (1) How did the…

Describes the musical sounds which can be found in unexpected places, and presents classroom projects which will enable heretofore visually oriented students and teachers to rediscover their ears. (BD)

Reports on a study of the use of musical scores and rating scales by 80 pianists who listened to 21 trials of solo piano music. Found that the use of musical scores and rating scales did not improve interrater reliability. Discovered that the subjects were less consistent when evaluating slow musical pieces than faster pieces. (CFR)

Techniques that elementary teachers can use to motivate students to develop their reading skills with greater enthusiasm are presented. These include the "eye chart" game, the "get to the head of the class" game, the "I can see what you can see" game, and the "song puzzle" game. (RM)

The Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 issues of "UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education," in one print volume, presents hard facts and statistical data in a style that can be easily understood and appreciated by music researchers, teachers, graduates, and undergraduates alike. Includes advice to first-year music teachers, instrument…

Suggests that watching for certain signs can help music teachers to improve students' performance in jazz solos. Recommends dealing with problems one at a time beginning with the most blatant and focusing on good communication skills as the basis of improvisation. Discusses lack of spacing, repetition, planning, form, and finality. (DK)

Reports on study of 80 elementary students in grades 3-6 to determine whether tempo perception and performance abilities increased with grade level and musical training. Finds that student performance and perceptions did increase with grade level and training. Concludes that modern technology has made research into tempo perception more precise…

The inclusion of Latin American music in the secondary school band program may play an important role in affecting student motivation, ethnic identity, intergroup attitudes, and student-teacher relationships. One of the underpinnings of Latin American music is the variety of techniques and exciting rhythms. In this book the rhythms are analyzed…

These resources and activities are intended to introduce primary school children to and help them enjoy and appreciate the children's concerts sponsored by the Honolulu Symphony. The guide is for the symphony program, "It's Circus Time," for children in grades K-3. The instruments used by the symphony are outlined, and pre- and…