Children have an innate ability to like and produce music, and elementary teachers have a responsibility for developing this aptitude. (MB)

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…

An elementary school (K-6) general music unit presents strategies and exercises for helping students attain skills in music literacy. The first section, which is arranged by grade level, helps students read, perform, and dictate a variety of rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic patterns. The second section provides instructions and accompanying…

The author describes his experiences in teaching four deaf elementary school students to play musical instruments--flute, clarinet, and trumpet--and identifies teaching methods which proved effective. (IM)

These three short articles are designed to help nonmusicians bring musical experiences into their classrooms. The articles discuss teaching resources for the nonmusical teacher; making simple, inexpensive rhythm instruments; and musical games. (Editor/SJL)

A survey of 28 music teachers in schools for the visually impaired and in mainstreamed primary schools in the United Kingdom found that the special schools spent more time on music instruction. Other findings dealt with types of instruments used and types of activities included in the music lessons. (JDD)

Presents hands-on science activities that help students learn the concepts of hearing and sound while allowing students to practice science process skills. Students investigate the use of alternative phonograph speakers and needles and apply the knowledge learned to the construction of one-string banjos. (MDH)

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…

This program consists of three components. The Learning Through Piano component is an innovative program of group piano instruction for elementary children. Music for Little People is designed to assist the self-contained classroom teacher in planning and implementing comprehensive music experiences for primary children. The Success Through…

Describes the minimalist movement in music. Discusses generations of minimalist musicians and, in general, the minimalist approach. Considers various ways that minimalist strategies can be integrated into the music classroom focusing on (1) minimalism and (2) student-centered composition and principles of minimalism for use with elementary band…

By keeping abreast of the latest research in the field, music educators can better understand how practicing helps students to use practice methods that are the most effective. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of modeling and silent analysis on the performance ability of advanced elementary school…

This guide contains lesson plans for music teachers and music specialists in grades K-4. The role of music education is to provide a balanced exposure to all music and musical experiences, allowing students to develop tastes and skills based upon a broad knowledge of music. The guide consists of two levels. The first half of the guide contains…

Techniques that elementary teachers can use to motivate students to develop their reading skills with greater enthusiasm are presented. These include the "eye chart" game, the "get to the head of the class" game, the "I can see what you can see" game, and the "song puzzle" game. (RM)

The Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 issues of "UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education," in one print volume, presents hard facts and statistical data in a style that can be easily understood and appreciated by music researchers, teachers, graduates, and undergraduates alike. Includes advice to first-year music teachers, instrument…

This book offers practical suggestions by parents on how to encourage young children musically, specifically using the Suzuki method for listening to music and practicing. The book is divided into the following chapters: (1) "Ten Reasons Why Musical Training Can and Should Be Started Early"; (2) "Advice From Parents: Ways To Encourage Children…