The purpose of this narrative action research study was to tell Marcus's story as an ensemble director learning how to teach composition in his middle school orchestra program. Marcus collaborated with Sam, a university professor, and designed a study to examine his teaching in his 49-member advanced orchestra class. As time passed, the focus of…

Songwriting is a form of composition that relates directly to adolescents' personal experience of music. This article provides a rationale for establishing courses in songwriting at the middle school and high school levels. Other topics in the article include curriculum development, instructional procedures, and assessment. The article ends with…

Discusses the Manhattanville Music Curriculum Project's concentration on the purpose, substance, and means of music instruction. Describes improvisation as the dominant means for teaching concepts, knowing how music works, and knowing how to make musical sense. Urges that the same goals of aural acuity, creative thought, and musical facility are…

In this article, the author asks music educators to imagine their band students being able to identify the melody of a piece as it jumps among sections after playing it just a few times. How about recognizing harmonic modulation, or applying dynamic contrast through understanding of compositional form? While these elements may seem obvious to…

Style analysis is suggested as a method for enriching listening experience and as a course for secondary school students. (RK)

Article discusses the benefits of traditional musical education, common practice', and relates the need for updating theory instruction with current practice. (RK)

Oregon's common curriculum goals for music education, an area of study that addresses the components of valuing music, developing music literacy, performing music, and creating music are presented. An overall goal for each one of these four strands is established, and then the content specific knowledge and skills that students should possess by…

Contends that contemporary trends in music education increase the emphasis on composition. Discusses the process of composition and asserts that students demonstrate their understanding of how music works through composition. Presents teaching suggestions for incorporating composition into the elementary and secondary curriculum. (CFR)

This seminar report prepared by representatives of various disciplines provides general information about the Contemporary Music Project for Creativity in Music Education. Background in the development of the Project is given and the organization of the evaluative seminar is described. Recommendations of the three participating groups center on…

The booklet is a guide for music teachers and administrators who wish to incorporate electronic music into the junior or senior high curriculum. It defines program objectives and suggests goals, teaching strategies, materials, and equipment. Reasons for teaching electronic music include its popularity with the younger generation, its capability to…