The practical training of contemporary popular musicians, that is, the preparation of performers, songwriters, and music production personnel for the global popular music industry, is still in its infancy. This article seeks to discuss the specific issue of what musicianship skills should be taught, by interrogating the perceptions of a cohort of…

Compares a singing approach to a nonsinging approach in an elementary directed listening program to determine whether there was a significant difference in aural thematic recognition and thematic preferences between groups. Indicates that subjects who sang thematic material had a higher aural recall rate and finds no difference with regard to…

One component of a model of creativity, the application of an understanding of elements, was explored through a study of college students applying their understanding of such musical elements as harmony, melody, rhythm, timbre, and dynamics. The 24 subjects were students in a music appreciation class, and the project was implemented using a…

A study evaluated peer assessment in two areas of an undergraduate music curriculum (composition and performance) at Kingston University (England). Data were drawn from teacher interviews, a student survey, and from evaluation and feedback of the peer assessment process. Concludes that peer assessment improves students' critical faculties and…

Compares the effects of fundamental exercises and music excerpts approaches on sightreading and performance proficiency of 58 students in a symphonic and concert band at a suburban high school. Finds that the students using music excerpts were no weaker in sightreading ability, had a higher performance achievement, and indicated more positive…

The purpose of this report is to document the results of the 1971-72 national assessment of the music education of elementary-secondary students and young adults. Music exercises were given to a national probability sample of 9-year olds, 13-year olds, 17-year olds (including high school dropouts and early graduates), and young adults between the…

Maintains that many educators are using sequences to create accompaniments and practice tapes geared to student abilities. Describes musical instruction using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Discusses eight suggestions designed to make the process of sequencing more efficient. (CFR)

This article considers the effectiveness and implications of the "Powerplus" composing project, in which teenage students were asked to write for a chamber ensemble in preparation for a public concert of their work. The perspectives of all participants are considered, with a view to understanding i) the developing identities of young…

A class was developed for 10 musically talented students in an elementary school, to enable the students to increase their musical interest and knowledge and to improve their music performance skills. Strategies for providing a more challenging musical environment for these students included: a pull-out class, teaching of music theory and…

Addressing the problem of low music skills and lack of motivation to participate in music programs in elementary and junior high schools, a study examined a daily after-school practicum in which music skills, composition, and performance were practiced. Twenty sixth-grade students participated in 72 40-minute after-school sessions, meeting twice a…

This technical report contains the released musical exercises used and the assessment data collected in a nationwide survey of music education conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Nine-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 17-year-olds, and adults (ages 26-35) were asked questions designed to measure their attitudes toward music…

Presents findings of a qualitative study of musical learning processes. Findings are reported in terms of the nature of strategies used by children as they work with peers to solve compositional problems. Also finds that successful students moved back and forth from holistic approaches to segmented activities. (CFR)

These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licensure areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at…

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)

This paper is the result of a research project that set out to document a group of adolescent musicians in a rural Australian secondary school as they wrote and performed their own music. The processes they developed are reflective of a cooperative approach to group composition where upwards of 21 students composed and "jammed" their way…