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…

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…

Discusses the use of standards-based instruction in large ensemble rehearsals and the implementation of the National Standards for Music Education. Provides a sample lesson using "The Ash Grove," a piece arranged for band with notes on lesson preparation and rehearsal strategy. (CMK)

A year-long music instruction unit introduces students to information about the lives of nine great composers of the classics and to their works. Each month a different composer is featured. No special training for teachers is necessary. (PP)

Maintains that, although none of the National Standards for Arts Education requires the use of computers in music education, it is assumed that computer use will expand. Discusses and reviews the use of computer software and other educational technology in the music classroom. Includes a list of three books for further reading. (CFR)

Recommends all music programs taking an active role in developing programs that promote and teach improvisation. Discusses some simple instructional strategies and models to follow when creating an improvisational program. Includes score selections and a list of selected resources. (MJP)

Relates the founding of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) Project and addresses comprehensive musicianship. Describes the five parts (selection, outcomes, strategies, analysis, and assessment) of the Wisconsin CMP model. Provides an example of how the model works for a specific composition. (CMK)

Proposes to explore some of the origins of ideas that form the "official" music curriculum in England and suggests ways in which the impetus for development can be sustained. Believes that historical research in music education is central to illuminating the difficulties and strengths of current practice. (CMK)

This article focuses on the challenge of educators in keeping up with an information environment that has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Thus, it is crucial that when teaching literacy to students, educators emphasize skills that reflect the information environment of the present, not the past. With the information age comes a whole…

The design of an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) in a knowledge domain where expertise is modeled as a set of uncertain and incomplete beliefs that are justifiable and expressible in the form of a critical argument is outlined. Issues concerning knowledge communication in a tutorial interaction are discussed with reference to a cognitive model…

Educational objectives and brief course descriptions are presented for music education, grades 9-12, Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland. The program, divided into general, choral, and instrumental categories, stresses refining cognitive perception, developing creative potential, and heightening aesthetic sensitivity.…

Asserts that a revolution has been occurring in musicology since the 1970s. Contends that music has change from being only a source of emotion to appearing more open to science and techniques based on computer technology. Describes recent research and other writings about the topic and provides an extensive bibliography. (CFR)

The goal of this project was to find ways of using artificial intelligence to encourage and aid music composition by musical novices, particularly those without traditional musical skills. Two complementary approaches are presented. In the first approach, Harmony Space, a new kind of direct manipulation tool for music, is described. Two recent…

The American Studies curriculum in institutions of higher education has traditionally neglected music. Many programs do not include music as a component, and often there is not a single course on U.S. music taught in the music department. The apparent lack of interest on the part of musicologists reflects an attitude that tends to denigrate the…