Examines whether fourth grade students prefer band or nonband instrument timbre. Identifies differences between student preferences in the United States and Greece, examining how cultural differences influence instrumental timbre preferences. Reports that band instrument timbres often are preferred in the United States but are less so in Greece.…

Reports on a study of student preference for musical instruments over 3 decades in 600 elementary, secondary, and colleges. Finds that gender-based segregation has increased at the high school and college level, but findings at the elementary level are inconclusive. (CFR)

Reports on a study of attention span and persevering behaviors of preschool children. Finds the Suzuki Method of violin instruction is associated with longer attention spans and more persevering behaviors than creative movement instruction or other preschool programs. Concludes that teachers prefer the Suzuki Method's approach to other forms of…

Reports on a study on the selection of musical instruments by 990 band students in grades 6-9 (Dade County, Florida). Factors studied included prior instrumental music experience, family participation in the choice, and gender. Reports strong gender/instrument associations that seemed to override students' professed reasons for choosing…

Contends that many violin and viola students develop preferences based on fear of using more difficult fingering techniques. Recommends that students be exposed to advanced techniques earlier in a matter-of-fact approach. Includes a list of four books recommended for further reading. (CFR)

Reports on a study of verbal behaviors of 25 piano teachers in private lessons. Finds significant differences resulting from student age in presentation of musical information, teacher talk, teacher coaching, and student participation. Also finds that student perceived as "average" received significantly more directive comments. (CFR)

Maintains that many music education associations sponsor chorus or band festivals at the middle and high school levels, but meeting the needs of prekindergarten and primary students is a more challenging task. Describes a one-day music festival for early elementary children. (CFR)

Contends that keyboard synthesizers can be used effectively in the music education classroom because they are instruments more than they are technological tools. Describes an elementary music program that uses synthesizers throughout the K-6 curriculum. Includes diagrams of classrooms arranged to use computerized keyboards incorporated with other…

Contends that there is a large and enthusiastic audience for introductory music courses at the college level. Describes a one-semester basic music course for non-music majors with three basic components: informing, listening, and performing. Concludes that this experience provides singular opportunity for many students to learn about music. (CFR)

Asserts that the use of electronic keyboards enables music educators to incorporate technological advances into instruction and take advantage of the popularity of electronic and computerized keyboards. Discusses advantages of electronic keyboard instruction related to student motivation and behavior. Describes methods of incorporating…

Maintains that group keyboard instruction provides a positive, motivating environment for elementary music students. Asserts that keyboard instruction encourages students to try other instruments. Provides suggestions for using keyboards in lower and upper elementary classrooms. (CFR)

Argues that, if music is to remain a feasible part of the school curriculum, it must combine technology with traditional methods and materials. Contends that computer-assisted keyboard systems encourage cooperative learning, enhance student motivation, and provide opportunities for students to succeed at their ability level. Describes two middle…

A middle school student helper teacher program based on some cooperative learning tenants provided alternative instruction to sixth grade instrumental students in music lessons that would have been severely curtailed due to budget reductions and increasing enrollment. Students were grouped on like instruments and divided into subgroups by ability.…

Discovered that the introduction of piano keyboarding into elementary school music instruction produced a positive effect regarding children's sentiment towards school. No discernible effect was revealed concerning memory skills. Includes statistical data and description of survey questionnaires. (MJP)

Maintains that to prepare students for the next century, music teachers must prepare them to be technologically literate in music. Describes the technology-based music education program at Ortega Elementary School in Austin, Texas. (CFR)