Presents a collaborative composition project for use in junior high bands that incorporates three standards from the National Standards for Music Education: (1) Standard 3: improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments; (2) Standard 4: composing and arranging music; and (3) Standard 9: understanding music in relation to history and culture.…

Explains that after the Columbus (Georgia) Symphony was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for American music, the symphony director gave a portion of the money for an elementary music composition class that utilized computers for two reasons: (1) students could get immediate feedback; and (2) the computers provided motivation. (CMK)

This publication is part of a series of monographs on the art of teaching. Each volume, focusing on a specific discipline, explores theory in the context of teaching strategies connected to evaluation of both teachers' and students' learning. Three techniques are offered to help teachers use the series: dialogues (as self-evaluation and in study…

This teacher's guide presents a course for training hearing-impaired students to listen to, create, and perform music. It emphasizes development of individual skills and group participation, encouraging students to contribute a wide variety of auditory and musical abilities and experiences while developing auditory acuity and attention. A variety…

Otto Luening, one of the pioneers in the development of tape composition, talks about a variety of topics, including the education of musicians, the relationship between composer and teacher, his class for non-music majors, the musical training a teacher should have, and changes needed in music education. (RM)

This project was created to help music students in their development of part-writing and harmonization skills, requirements for college-level music study. It was developed and programmed by members of the Instructional Technology Center and Department of Music at the University of Delaware. The software developed during this project provides…

This guide helps teachers and students examine the questions "Who are composers?" and "How do they compose?" In addition to the musical component of the inquiry, the guide also explores the world of writers and how they write and visual artists and how they create. Materials in the guide encourage students to express their…

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…

Focuses on the use of technology to assist students in composing and improvising music. Discusses the benefits of composing using computer software; addresses types of tools that can be used; explores different teaching strategies for teachers to utilize; and describes the organization of the music classroom. (CMK)

Presents a series of teaching suggestions and ideas based on the National Standards for Arts Education. Focuses on musical composition for elementary and secondary students. Includes a teaching example illustrating how the National Standards can be put into practice. (CFR)

Indicates the importance for music teachers to develop their students' musical thinking skills through listening and composition. Explains that, by focusing on convergent and divergent thinking, students will have the skills to compose and analyze music. Gives listening and compositional activities for teachers to use in their classrooms. (CMK)

Urges music educators to use activity-based instruction as opposed to more traditional methods. Provides two lesson plans for middle school students where they learn about musical instruments in an integrated science and music environment that promotes concept formation and the exploration of the role of culture in music-making. (CMK)

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…

Frank Leto, a professional musician and a Montessori teacher, discusses his professional music career, family, the arts in Montessori education, the lifestyle of a professional musician, writing children's songs, and percussion instruments. Provides advice for teachers of music. (SD)

States that a growing number of schools are installing general computer labs equipped to use notation, accompaniment, and sequencing software independent of MIDI keyboards. Discusses (1) how to configure the software without MIDI keyboards or external sound modules, (2) using the actual MIDI software, (3) inexpensive enhancements, and (4) the…