Inclusion of music in public school programs was originally justified on the utilitarian grounds that it fostered social and academic skills. Later an aesthetic rationale emphasized an intrinsic value of music in childrens' development. The position of music education will be precarious until educators provide strong evidence for their positions.…

Novice listeners have difficulty perceiving form in music because they experience music episodically, not holistically; and because conditioned by popular music to respond emotionally, they see no reason for intellectual analysis. To achieve aesthetic literacy, students must be taught both analytic and aesthetic perception, utilizing both brain…

Presents background information on Jazz Appreciation Month. Includes a lesson for middle level students that can be adapted for upper elementary and high school students on jazz history. Offers an extension activity that incorporates oral history and provides a list of Internet and print resources on jazz. (CMK)

Posits that any model of creative thinking in music must deal with how factual content in music serves as the foundation for the creative process. Maintains that music technology is an exciting and meaningful avenue for both convergent and divergent thinking but that creative thinking can occur without technology. (KM)

Presents a nine-lesson plan that uses a French song to help improve Australian students' skills in the following areas: (1) translating from French into English; (2) listening for understanding; (3) listening for imitation; (4) oral imitation; (5) writing; and (6) researching. (CB)

Reviews current research findings in the field of music in early childhood. Focuses on the musical development of the average child, citing evidence of music cognition and of music production. Reports some model programs established by music educators to work with parents and preschools to encourage musical development in the young child. (LS)

Discusses the changes taking place in music education and how they will affect the training of future music teachers. Suggests that teachers should be prepared to present music in a general yet varied format. Includes the necessity of promoting musical experiences and appreciation of musical events in desired curriculum changes. (DK)

Reports on a study of inexperienced and experienced music teachers to determine the dominant perceptual dimensions used to classify classical musical excerpts. Finds that listeners generate an internal hierarchy that reflects their individual background and knowledge. Concludes that instructional methods are as important as the music selected for…

Examined results of pretests and posttests given to undergraduates enrolled in a music appreciation course to analyze the changes in their musical attitudes, opinions, and knowledge. Found that students exhibited a significant gain in knowledge about musical works; however, there was no significant difference in their opinions of these same works.…

Describes the collaboration between the school districts in western New York and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO). Explains that when the Orchestra was forced to close, the schools bonded with the BPO and had "community nights" in which students performed before the concerts, involving parents and the community, to help raise…

Presents an interview with Alan Menken that addresses his role as a composer, different influences and paths in his career, and the importance of music education in his life. Asserts that music should permeate all aspects of education because it is a vital aspect of a student's emotional and intellectual life. (CMK)

Presents a model of musical culture development. Cites a study comparing musical development in 1- to 6-year olds taught with usual methods and those taught in optimal conditions; the study found that the teacher in optimal conditions was able to build up the rudiments of musical culture, including musical knowledge and skills, habits, and…

Focuses on the use of recorder ensembles in general music classes, discussing topics such as strategies for procuring soprano, alto, and bass recorders and ensemble activities for grades 3-8. Provides a bibliography of resources for recorder playing and information on transposition and arranging music. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of the creative musical experience for students as a means to maintaining their music appreciation. Argues that music teachers must be leaders for music education to thrive. Focuses on the promotion of music education and lists qualities of successful music teachers. (CMK)

Examines Western adaptations of music from other cultures. Argues against performing multicultural music according to the Western musical system. Provides suggestions for authentically performing multicultural music, including interacting with the music and learning about its cultural origins. (CMK)