Reviews a study that examined the validity of different rating scales for measuring instrumental achievement with the clarinet. Rejects the contention that the new rating scales are superior to the Clarinet Performance Rating Scale. (BSR)

A series of activities are described to introduce students to musical instruments. Children learn about woodwind, string, percussion, and brass instruments through observation of musicians, hands-on experiences, and recordings. Sample recordings and a bibliography are listed. (DF)

This teaching unit offers teachers, students, and their families a look at 3 centuries of history about the piano. Four lessons for high school music classes offer an opportunity to explore the cultural climate that nurtured the invention of and innovations for the piano along with descriptions of the personalities of the inventors, composers, and…

This investigation, which was part of a larger dissertation study, examined high-level performance in groups of people with developmental disabilities and the instruction that facilitated such performance. Specifically, it focused on those aspects of instruction that appeared to be particularly effective in eliciting a high level of performance in…

Author considered dynamic contrasts of music and proposed a philosophy that student musicians can readily understand. (Author/RK)

Describes ways to get children to be the music they love, and to recognize, sing and play, on available instruments, the tones of the scale.

Discusses the different influences of music in West Asia and North Africa and the musical instruments that foster varying musical trends. (RK)

Discusses music functions and uses of musical instruments in Africa. (RK)

Learning music composition through use of innovative music symbols can be effective in stimulating student motivation and in developing learning comprehension. (RK)

The Appalachian Folk Music Project developed methods to teach folk music in the schools. Authentic material was identified and teaching methods appropriate to rural Appalachia were selected. Departures from the norm included teaching of instruments like the dulcimer, harmonica, and fiddle and the use of folk models whenever possible. (CS)

The construction and use of monochords is presented as a means of presenting students with an unusual and stimulating path to learn about the relationships of music and mathematics. Knowledge related to ratios, logarithms, and application of algebra is noted to be part of this relationship. (MP)

A continuing pedagogical problem with preadolescent string students is the introduction and development of finger-pattern concepts. The procedures outlined in this article not only introduce and reinforce a needed kinesthetic skill but also allow the child to be creative while making music in an American idiom--the blues. (Author/SJL)

The author suggests that the greatest barrier confronting a beginning improvisational jazz instrumentalist is fear. He suggests ways of eliminating this fear, beginning with specific suggestions for training the ear with vocal exercises, followed by specific suggestions for learning on instruments. (KC)

Discussed is music of the sub-Sahara. Vocal, instrumental, and dance drumming from the Sudan Desert, the North Coast, East Horn, Central and West Africa, and contrapuntal yodeling of Pygmies is described. For African musicians, the ability to improvise, and creativity, are gifts from God. Includes selected readings and recordings. (KC)

Instructions are provided for making these simple musical instruments from inexpensive materials: an Indian bull-roarer; bottle chimes; a ham can guitar; flower pot, box, and steel drums; a xylophone; a musical sawhorse; rattles; a melody box; and a box thumb harp. (SJL)