Explores the factors that may influence the decisions made by students aged 9-15 years old as they chose musical sounds and constructed compositions. Indicates that age, formal music training, and aesthetic response to musical sounds are the primary factors affecting specific choices made in the compositional process. (CMK)

One hundred and forty citations comprise this annotated bibliography of books, articles, and selected dissertations that encompass trends in music theory and k-16 music education since the late 19th century. Special emphasis is upon writings since the 1950's. During earlier development, music analysts concentrated upon the elements of music (i.e.,…

Discusses how music teachers can begin a gospel choir at the middle school through university levels. Provides a historical background on gospel choirs and presents the benefits of having a gospel choir. Focuses on issues teachers should address, how to teach this type of choir, and common misconceptions. (CMK)

Describes a unit used with sixth-grade students focusing on jazz and blues that taught improvisation. Discusses the different levels of improvisation that were used, providing the beginning activities, and describes activities that focus on the third level of improvisation called product-oriented improvisation. (CMK)

Discusses how to teach improvisation to younger students by utilizing genres other than jazz, such as bluegrass, blues, ska, reggae, rap, klezmer, and rock. Describes each of these genres and gives a sequence of six steps to help music teachers organize classroom improvisation. (CMK)

Maintains that visually enhanced musical performances provide an exciting and creative aspect of musical production. Explains that the conductor should choose a musical selection that offers concrete visual opportunities, focus on visual images, choose video excerpts, and use dance if possible. Finds that many visual techniques used by marching…

Contends that many violin students attempt difficult concertos before they are technically or musically prepared. Identifies a variety of concertos at the intermediate and advanced intermediate-level for students to study and master before attempting the advanced works by Bach and Mozart. Includes concertos by Vivaldi, Leclair, Viotti, Haydn,…

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…

Maintains that, although none of the National Standards for Arts Education requires the use of computers in music education, it is assumed that computer use will expand. Discusses and reviews the use of computer software and other educational technology in the music classroom. Includes a list of three books for further reading. (CFR)

Suggests choral teachers use rap music to promote student interest and to teach music basics, such as rhythm, pitch, harmony, and timbre. Maintains that students can write the arrangements allowing them to gain experience in notating. Identifies selected recordings and offers an example of how to use rap music. (CMK)

Developed as part of an educational kit that includes a four-part videotape, maps, photographs, and audio tapes, this guide gives teacher preparation information, objectives, teaching strategies, and student activities for each of 3 lessons in 4 units: Unit 1, "Introduction to Folklife," presents a definition in lesson 1, "What is…

Educational objectives and brief course descriptions are presented for music education, grades 9-12, Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland. The program, divided into general, choral, and instrumental categories, stresses refining cognitive perception, developing creative potential, and heightening aesthetic sensitivity.…

Examination of lyrics of the blues and jazz forms of black music indicates their importance as communication. Contemporary styles can be divided into five overlapping categories: (1) "mainstream," the post-"bebop" style and soul jazz; (2) jazz influenced by other ethnic music; (3) the avant-garde jazz, which is often…

Encourages the use of integrated prereading, prewriting, and critical thinking activities in music classes to help students appreciate and understand the process of musical composition. Discusses using freewriting, journal writing, directed reading, and extended activities in music appreciation, performance, and composition classes. (SKC)

Finds a number of Beethoven's military marches in contemporary arrangements. Although greatly revered for his classical music, Beethoven composed a variety of excellent marches. Usually penned for a specific historic occasion, they fit well into interdisciplinary study units and add variety and color to local music programs. (MJP)