Presents a series of teaching suggestions and ideas based on the National Standards for Arts Education. Focuses on musical composition for elementary and secondary students. Includes a teaching example illustrating how the National Standards can be put into practice. (CFR)

Indicates the importance for music teachers to develop their students' musical thinking skills through listening and composition. Explains that, by focusing on convergent and divergent thinking, students will have the skills to compose and analyze music. Gives listening and compositional activities for teachers to use in their classrooms. (CMK)

Urges music educators to use activity-based instruction as opposed to more traditional methods. Provides two lesson plans for middle school students where they learn about musical instruments in an integrated science and music environment that promotes concept formation and the exploration of the role of culture in music-making. (CMK)

This project examined the feasibility of configuring scanning and sequencing software with a single switch input device to enable a severely disabled 16-year old with cerebral palsy to edit music recordings and compositions. The hardware and software are described and illustrated, and the feasibility of combining disability software with standard…

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)

States that a growing number of schools are installing general computer labs equipped to use notation, accompaniment, and sequencing software independent of MIDI keyboards. Discusses (1) how to configure the software without MIDI keyboards or external sound modules, (2) using the actual MIDI software, (3) inexpensive enhancements, and (4) the…

Discusses the use of standards-based instruction in large ensemble rehearsals and the implementation of the National Standards for Music Education. Provides a sample lesson using "The Ash Grove," a piece arranged for band with notes on lesson preparation and rehearsal strategy. (CMK)

Considers why students should participate in a chamber music ensemble: (1) students develop a sense of collegiality and self-worth; (2) ensembles encourage practice time; and (3) ensembles provide flexible performance opportunities. Highlights the different aspects of creating an ensemble from the availability of faculty to selecting challenging…

The primary objective of this project was to design a responsive environment using a computer-controlled organ for children to learn music principles. Three secondary objectives set in the development of this environment were to create the means for: 1) entering, storing, and replaying complex music; 2) viewing the time-space relationships…

A course in introduction to music emphasizing modes and forms is presented. The approach used is a laboratory one in which pupils will develop skill in playing string instruments, sing, listen to, read and compose music with emphasis on identification of elementary concepts of mode and form. Course objectives include: (1) The pupil will select the…

Clarifies the term "fair use," which refers to the reproduction of copyrighted material without consent. Lists four factors established by Congress for courts to use in determining fair use. Offers guidelines to teachers for permissible copying, photocopying, and recording, and describes instances that would be prohibited. (IW)

Born in 1910, composer William Schuman has been deeply involved with music education, first as a college professor and later a president of the Julliard School of Music. In this interview, Schuman talks about what music means to him, his teaching career, and music in general education. (RM)

A year-long music instruction unit introduces students to information about the lives of nine great composers of the classics and to their works. Each month a different composer is featured. No special training for teachers is necessary. (PP)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a creative-comprehensive approach (students creating original music by assuming the roles of composer, performer and analytic listener) when compared with a performance approach (students engaged in the performance and aural analysis of preselected folk and traditional music).…

Discusses how music teachers can incorporate computer assisted instruction (CAI) into their elementary classrooms. Addresses the benefits of using computers and the equipment that is needed. Describes ways for students to compose their own music by using "Making Music." (CMK)