Reports on a study that aimed to develop teaching cases for instrumental music education methods courses through analysis of current teaching practice. Using a case study design based on four experienced instrumental music teachers, the study documented daily interactions, decision-making skills, and use of pedagogical knowledge. Offers research…

One of the most common problems for school music ensembles is the lack of rehearsal time to prepare for public performances. Because of this, music educators all too often feel they need to eliminate various parts of the rehearsal so that more time can be spent on rehearsing performance literature. However, this approach can be shortsighted…

The Hebrew Arts School in New York City teaches music, dance, art, and theater to children four through eighteen. Founded in 1952, its emphasis is on choosing instruments and programs suited to the individual, and on preserving the instinctive joy of music making. (CS)

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)

Provides brief information on the inclusion of students within U.S. public schools. Offers an introduction to the articles included in this issue of "Music Educators Journal" that focus on inclusion within the music education classroom. (CMK)

Discusses how music teachers can include students with disabilities in their instrumental music classes. Explains how the teachers can adapt the musical instruments, the social environment, the music, teaching and evaluation techniques, and promote parental involvement. Includes a bibliography of resources for accommodating students with…

Discusses the characteristics of a good vibrato in musical performance. Reviews four types of vibrato used by woodwind performers: (1) diaphragmatic/abdominal vibrato; (2) jaw vibrato; (3) throat vibrato; and (4) lip vibrato. Includes two charts with suggestions for teaching diaphragmatic vibrato and jaw vibrato. (CFR)

Gives five examples from music teachers about how they use different types of technology, in particular the electronic keyboard, in their classrooms. Demonstrates the contrasting methods of each of these teachers, but illustrates, at the same time, how they all have met the same ends: to enhance music education through technology. (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)

Frank Callaway, the fourth Honorary President of ISME, was a New Zealander who contributed greatly to raising the profile of music education in both that country and Australia. His essentially democratic view of music education was moulded by his teaching experience at King Edward Technical College in Dunedin. At the University of Western…

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…

Contends that many choral programs suffer from a continued dependence on the piano for music learning and intonation. Provides suggestions that will help students develop sight-reading and singing skills that are not centered around the piano, such as creating a sight-reading system and having students read choral music immediately. (CMK)

Advocates using the singing voice and the study of folk music in instrumental instruction. Recommends instrumental teachers confer with voice teachers to coordinate ideas and terminology. Includes several excerpts of scores and musical exercises, as well as a list of selected resources. (MJP)

This activity is the result of a school-university collaboration among four educators (two intermediate classroom teachers, a vice-principal/teacher, and a university-based teacher educator/researcher) who worked together to improve the quality of learning in the classroom. The educators combined their teaching expertise to plan and co-teach an…

Music and arts education programs are the first to be cut when school budgets tighten. Successful ways to prevent severe cuts are outlined and music program essentials are described. The principal's role is the key. (MD)