Music education has faced considerable challenges in trying to bridge the gap between music in young people's lives and that taking place in the classroom. The 'Musical Futures' initiative aimed to devise new and imaginative ways of engaging young people, aged 11-19, in music activities through a process of informal learning based initially on…

Sheet music, song lyrics, and audio recordings may not be the first primary sources that come to mind when considering ways to teach about changes brought about by technology during westward expansion, but these sources engage students in thought provoking ways. In this article the author presents a 1917 photograph of Mountain Chief, of the Piegan…

This study extends an eight-country mapping exercise (McPherson & O'Neill, 2010; see "Research Studies in Music Education" issues 2010-2011) to include students' motivation to study music within the Australian context. It sought to determine whether music learners (students learning an instrument or voice), might be more motivated to…

If one looks at the stereotypes of music and athletics, one might believe that they are polar opposites. There are the athletes--the strong kids who may not be among the most articulate but who can block, tackle, shoot, hit, run, and score in any game. Then there are the musicians--intelligent, introspective brainiacs who can read a language known…

This study is an examination of the influence of three orchestra/school partnerships on students' interest in instrumental music. A vocational choice school was used to assess students' interest in instrumental music. Surveys were administered to second- through fourth-grade students at partnership and nonpartnership schools. Results indicated…

Describes an improvised science lesson that grew out of elementary students' interests and questions about music and sound. Students designed, built, and performed with their own musical instruments. (WRM)

The guide presents learning objectives, course outlines, and resource lists for music courses in grades seven through 12. There are three major sections. Section one outlines required music programs and instrumental and choral programs for junior high students. The major objective is to orient students aesthetically to music and to develop skills…