Presents a rationale for using handbells and discusses their application to elementary, junior high, high school, special education, and college music programs. (SJL)

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)

Noting that developing skill with a musical instrument requires much dedicated practice, the author gives advice to students and teachers about maximizing the productivity and efficiency of a practice session. (SJL)

Suggests ways to solve problems resulting from imbalanced instrumentation in school concert bands. Identifies sources of imbalance. Encourages band directors to plan for correct instrumentation, to match students' characteristics and abilities to instruments, and to recruit students to play needed instruments. Discusses the benefits of balanced…

This curriculum and instructional plan for Canadian schools is based on a study of the tradition of steelbands of Trinidad. The primary aim of the study was to move toward understanding how Trinidadian people view, experience, explain, and order specific elements of their musical world. The study proposed a curriculum and instructional plan for…

Conducted during the Institute for Steelband Playing held in 1988, this study's aim was to understand how Trinidadian people view, experience, explain, and order specific elements of their musical world, with the goal of providing an information base for establishing steelband programs in Canadian schools. The study focused on (1) How did the…

Describes a high school music program in which students form strolling performance groups. Explains that violinists, violists, and even cellists play as they stroll through audiences. Suggests that strolling strings programs benefit both students and teachers by providing opportunities for creativity and enhancing musical skills. Provides a list…

The inclusion of Latin American music in the secondary school band program may play an important role in affecting student motivation, ethnic identity, intergroup attitudes, and student-teacher relationships. One of the underpinnings of Latin American music is the variety of techniques and exciting rhythms. In this book the rhythms are analyzed…

Encourages the use of percussion ensembles in upper elementary and secondary general music classes because of their high motivational value, the ease of achieving performance, and the minimal need for music reading skills. Offers guidelines for introducing percussion ensemble music, including an annotated discography listing selections to…

This curriculum guide in music is intended for use in grades 1-7 in the early French immersion program. The program is presented as one that contributes to the development of the child, calls for flexibility and diversification, and requires a solid music education on the part of the teacher. The guide presents the following topics: (1) statements…

Forty-nine music lessons for use in sixth grade classes are presented. A number of these lessons feature songs and musical instruments from or about Hawaii, and lessons stress learning about tempos, accents, meters, notes, and rhythm patterns. The lessons introduce the history of instruments such as the ukulele, recorder, rhythm instruments, and…

This fifth grade text provides music and rhythmic activities for the development of both musical skills and appreciation. The learning of music symbols, notes, chords, rhythm, harmony, and specific songs is stressed. While most of the songs were composed in the contiguous 48 United States, music from Hawaii and from other countries is included.…

Recommends singing as an instructional strategy for string and other instrument classes. Maintains that singing familiarizes the student with the music and can serve as an illustrative example of musical techniques. Includes a list of tonal objectives found in repertory songs. Briefly reviews several instructional texts. (MJP)

Suggests that the bias linking guitars to popular culture has needlessly limited approaches to teaching guitar. Examines how each of five current programs develops different music skills. Advocates a comprehensive, multifaceted program capable of emphasizing student skills in melody, harmony, perception, creativity, and performance over six years…