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)

Contends that band students who are taught composition techniques improve listening skills, make aesthetic decisions, and become more imaginative and creative. Presents ideas from five music teachers for incorporating composition into the music curriculum. Discusses the use of computer software in musical composition. (CFR)

This study investigated modes of communication adopted by six student jazz musicians during rehearsal and performance. Six one-hour rehearsal sessions and a performance were observed and videotaped for analysis. Results revealed six modes of communication that formed two main categories, verbal and non-verbal, each containing three distinct modes…

In this curriculum guide a flexible music program is offered that provides a variety of interesting and challenging courses for pupils in grades 9 through 12. The objective is to present a musical education program to meet the wide range of needs of different pupils many of whom will use music as a hobby or to enrich their cultural background.…

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…

Discusses the importance of applying computational modeling and artificial intelligence techniques to music cognition and computer music research. Recommends three uses of microworlds to trim computational theories to their bare minimum, allowing for better and easier comparison. (CFR)

This report offers some general principles which are helpful for designing and constructing a test for measuring musical aptitude of persons from various age groups. A discussion attempts to clarify the concepts used within the psychology of music. The basic structuralist principles favored by Gestalt psychologists and structuralists are also…

Examines the musical compositions of Australian children ages seven and nine years to discover the nature of their melodic and rhythmic representations. Finds that older children created more compositions of higher stages of complexity. Reports that girls produced a greater percentage of compositions assigned to the highest stages. (CFR)

This seminar report prepared by representatives of various disciplines provides general information about the Contemporary Music Project for Creativity in Music Education. Background in the development of the Project is given and the organization of the evaluative seminar is described. Recommendations of the three participating groups center on…

Defines musical improvisation as taking place when a musician's aural and technical facilities combine to create a spontaneous form of musical expression. Discusses the use of improvisation as a means of enhancing student interest and performance. Includes a six-step approach for teaching musical improvisation. (CFR)

Describes a junior high school course in musical composition using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology. Discusses course objectives and three composition projects. Includes a list of definitions and asserts that MIDI technology offers students and teachers a powerful method to study how music works. (CFR)

Maintains that, to improvise successfully in music, students must have an understanding of the creative process. Presents teaching suggestions for encouraging creativity in music classes. Maintains that improvisation is an excellent method for students to explore and practice creativity. (CFR)

Observes that the form and structuring of musical rehearsals should be determined by the compositional structure of the work. Explores various rehearsal formats for choral fugues, renaissance chansons, and folk songs. Maintains that this approach develops comprehensive musicianship, promotes aesthetic experience, and makes efficient use of…

Defines guided composition as composing music with as many prescribed parameters as a young composer needs. Although the melody should never be proscribed, instructional "controls" can be built into the rhythm, length (and repeats), scale, and clef. Includes excerpts from three K-4 compositions using this technique. (MJP)

Explores the combination of the microcomputer and a digital synthesizer which use the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Discusses the evolution of MIDI, music classroom applications, and suggestions before purchasing a MIDI. (MVL)