The aim of this study is to analyse activities on sound qualities raised in Early Childhood Education textbooks from an educational-musical point of view. The sample consisted of 1391 activities in textbooks from the leading publishing houses in Spain. For data collection an "ad hoc" instrument called the "Protocol for the…

The purpose of this study is to examine guitar tablature as a strategy to facilitate student-led learning in order to contribute to liberation of music students in the elementary setting. This researcher seeks to understand the effect it has on beginning guitar students in elementary school and what role, if any, it should take in an elementary…

Reading music notation with fluency is a complex skill requiring well-founded instruction by the music teacher and diligent practice on the part of the learner. The task is complicated by the fact that there are multiple ways to notate a given rhythm. Beginning music students typically have their first encounter with enrhythmic notation when they…

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the effect of ear playing instruction on adult amateur wind instrumentalists' musical self-efficacy. Ten volunteer members of a community band in a small town in Ohio completed the "Ear Playing Profile" both prior to and following an eight-week period of instruction in playing by ear…

This paper describes a multimodality approach that helps primary-school students improve their learning performance during music instruction. Multimedia instruction is an effective way to help learners create meaningful knowledge and to make referential connections between mental representations. This paper proposes a multimodal, dual-channel,…

Learning to read and write music should be as natural as learning to read and write the English language. Similar instructional models can be used for both. This was the premise for the investigation of 5-year-old Joel's musical development. Joel was the youngest of a four-member musical family. He was surrounded by musical literature and role…

Article consists of a compilation of explanations of musical compositions (two records are included with the article) of many different cultures, which have been reviewed throughout the journal. (RK)

This document proposes and presents a new concept in music notation. Consisting of three separately-bound parts, the first part presents the rationale for the new musical notation in the form of a dialogue between two people who discuss what the ideal musical notation would be: the subject of unmetered durations and articulations, the…

Article explores the development of rhythm and nonmeter, of Western and non-Western musical structure, and teaching approaches. (RK)

Describes a pilot study where choral conducting students used miniaturized scores (simplified scores that focus on specific gestural problems). Students received three simplified scores, each one highlighting a different approach. Students overwhelmingly favored the simplified score using a cuing technique. Includes, score excerpts, student…

Identifies several sets of criteria starting band directors can use to overcome common pitfalls. These include helpful hints on repertoire selection, rehearsal procedures, and setting realistic expectations. Concludes with a look at "the big picture," a list of suggested themes for concerts. (MJP)

Outlines a series of practical ideas for incorporating the creative activities of composing and improvising into instrumental ensemble rehearsals. Discusses simple techniques and approaches for composing with new notes, rhythms, and concepts, as well as improvisation and in-class compositions. Includes key notation charts and a list of selected…

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)

Specific music objectives for which exercises were developed to assess music achievement, and actual procedures for establishing these objectives, comprise this brochure. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), awarded the task of developing music objectives in 1965, met with a group of experts in music to define the scope of music assessment. The…