Considers the educational environment necessary for stimulating creative expression in students and the attitudes that will allow such expression. (RK)

Twenty-two second grade children created musical compositions on an Orff xylophone during an eight-week period and produced accompanying written scores. Analysis showed that, over the period, children improved pattern recognition and increased use of melodic motives, and that writing the score did not inhibit the creative process. (JDD)

Article stresses the teacher's influence on the creativity of children and the importance in recognizing the necessity for encouraging the development of each child's creative expression. (RK)

Draws on six instances in which students were engaged in improvisational musical composition with peers and/or a teacher in music classroom settings. Offers an analysis of the creative process and product. Discusses the findings and the role of shared understanding in empowering independent musical thinking. (CMK)