Describes how students listen to the stories of a retirement home and write tribute songs based on the stories. Notes that because students are accustomed to a classroom life of telling stories and listening to stories, it is easy for them to enter into the story-worlds of their elders, to connect with words and to piece together stories. (SG)

In this article, the author asks music educators to imagine their band students being able to identify the melody of a piece as it jumps among sections after playing it just a few times. How about recognizing harmonic modulation, or applying dynamic contrast through understanding of compositional form? While these elements may seem obvious to…

This article investigates the multimodal affordances presented by music software and how it can provide new opportunities for students to engage with composition work in the classroom. It seeks to broaden the scope of current research into classroom composition using technology, through a study of students' environments and compositional processes…

In this article, we chose the musical form of a sonata to examine tetrads, a simple four-fold structure that Marshall McLuhan coined and employed to describe various technologies. Tetrads, as cognitive models, are used to refine, focus, or discover entities in cultures and technologies, which are hidden from view in the psyche. Tetradic logic…

Waulking is the process of shrinking tweed into a tightly woven cloth by rolling the wool into a tube and pounding it on the table in a rhythmic pattern. In the Outer Hebrides, off the western coast of Scotland, this process is traditionally done while singing. During waulking, the songs that were sung gave information about the social structure…

In 1959 the Ford Foundation made its first grant to support young composers teaching in high schools. Despite setbacks, this resulted in advances in thinking and attitudes in the music education world. Since then, the Music Educators National Conference has taken an active role in the expansion of this project. (CS)

Presents programming ideas using LOGO, activity for converting flowchart into a computer program, and a Pascal program for generating music using paddles. Includes the article "Helping Computers Adapt to Kids" by Philip Nothnagle; a program for estimating length of lines is included. (JN)

Discusses how microcomputers can aid in higher-level creative processes, enabling students to experience the joy/fulfillment of spontaneous creative expression. "The Magic Melody Box" (Atari) program, in which users choose a rhythm and draw a melody line, is used as an example to illustrate the computer's potential in this area. (JN)

Four commercially available music programs are reviewed: "Music Games,""MusicMaster I,""Notes and Keys, " and "Music Tutor." These and other programs enable secondary/college students and adults to study music theory and acquire music training without the aid of an instructor. (JN)

Describes the software modules produced by Texas Instruments for use with the TI-99/4A home computer. Among the modules described are: Personal Real Estate, Programing Aids, Home Financial Decisions, Music Maker, Weight Control and Nutrition, Early Learning Fun, and Tax/Investment Record Keeping. (JL)

Case studies are presented of musicians with dyslexia who experienced difficulties in the study of musical notation. The studies focus on their educational histories, musical weaknesses and strengths, and successful compensatory strategies. Suggestions are offered on using multisensory approaches to teach musical notation. (Author/JDD)

Attempts to begin a process of pedagogical self-evaluation by considering how David Hume's Is-Ought fallacy can serve as an instrument with which to evaluate the content presented in a given teaching situation. Investigates the Is-Ought fallacy through an in-depth examination, and relates it to specific pedagogical issues in music education. (CMK)

William Banfield is a composer with nine symphonies to his credit, as well as countless smaller scale works--concerti, chamber works, operas, choral and jazz works--that have been performed all over the nation. He has also performed with highly acclaimed jazz performers such as Patrice Rushen, Earl Klugh, Najee, Nelson Rangell and many others. He…

In many ways, the nature of the community where the learning takes place determines student success in creative endeavors. It is important to recognize that the teacher is not the only one in the room who may have interesting ideas about how to revise or extend students' ideas. Peers share ideas freely with one another, and students are often more…

Middle school choral students and their teachers can benefit from studying and performing a musical. The students can apply their vocal skills to the exploration of this important genre of American music. Outstanding chores members will have opportunities to perform as soloists and to master dramatic roles. The teachers can express themselves…