Songs and chants in EFL education are both artistic and pedagogical acts belonging to the same family of musical expressions, whose practical use in the classroom is not unfamiliar among teachers. Nevertheless, little effort has been made to distinguish between each other. In this sense, the popularity of songs in the context of EFL/ESL education…

While there has been extensive research concerning music composition execution and benefits in general, there has been limited research found specifically regarding how the initiation of a composition project effects student anxiety levels. There have been a dearth of studies examining specific prompts or directions given to students before they…

Every composition created by a young composer represents a step in the student's creative path. Assessment, an intrinsic aspect of teaching, fosters learning and propels students forward on their journeys to creative self-expression. Authentic feedback and assessment strategies must be grounded both in the individual musical context of each…

This study aims to investigate and identify the criteria and parameters for assessing compositions, and how assessment can help students' learning. Participants in the study include three composer-assessors and six undergraduate music students. An assessment framework for music composition based on both the macro and micro philosophies of…

Few resources in music education are more traditional than the round. Describes numerous uses of rounds, in a variety of classes. (Editor)

This second and final article on new music notation deals with some general as well as a number of specific innovations in the field of instrumental music. (Author/RK)

Offers suggestions on how to locate an appropriate music publisher for the type of music one is writing, how to prepare and send the manuscript, and on whether or not to copyright the manuscript or submit it to more than one publisher. (Editor)

This article presents a rationale for using songwriting in the elementary grades and outlines a plan by which a whole class of fifth- or sixth-graders can work together to write a song. (SJL)

A few years ago the synthesizer was an expensive musical instrument. Today prices have dropped tremendously. Explains why the synthesizer is not out of reach of the school classroom and how a solid instructional program can be developed with its use. (Editor/RK)

This article was written for those who believed that commissioning music for the high school band was an impossible dream. Author described two successful high school commissioning programs, their benefits for the students involved, and how to approach a composer to seek a new work. (Editor/RK)

Seven music teachers state their needs to those who write music for the elementary grades. (SJL)

The Tsonga are a Bantu-speaking people numbering about 1,200,000 in Mozmbique and 500,000 in the Northern Transvaal. Here are instructions for making a nine-slat xylophone like those used by the Tsonga as well as some Tsonga xylophone melodies. (Author/RK)

Designed for use by librarians, teachers, and students, this booklet provides information on permissable levels of and limitations on the photocopying of copyrighted material for educational purposes, as outlined by the Copyright Law of 1976 (PL 94-553), its subsequent amendments, and guidelines, effective January 1, 1978. Following introductory…

This discussion of copyright law on music focuses on the special problems of the band director who wishes to make a special arrangement or alteration of a copyrighted work. Guidelines and a sample form are provided for securing the publisher's permission to arrange a musical work. (SJL)

This article provided some basic suggestions on how to get the most out of rehearsal time. (Editor/RK)