Classroom composing is a lot of work, but it is tremendously rewarding for students and for teachers. The learning and skill development that attends composing efforts can make the addition of composing activities to a music classroom both useful and enjoyable. In this article, the author provides five steps for leading students in classroom…

Many orchestra teachers have experienced feelings of panic when they first read the National Standards and realize that the coalition standard is for performance ensembles as well as general music classes. Teachers who are responsible for starting beginners or who teach intermediate players may wonder about the feasibility of teaching composition…

Describes how to teach elementary students about vocal improvisation using the Kodaly-based approach. Discusses the three steps involved in this technique: (1) develop familiar singing patterns; (2) use a question and answer format; and (3) begin improvisation. Includes examples of solfege patterns and a vocal question and answer. (CMK)

Discusses how teachers can incorporate musical composition into their classrooms by teaching students about aleatory, or chance, music. Provides a definition of aleatory music and provides various composing techniques, focusing on aleatory music. Includes lesson plans using aleatory music, such as the "Mozart Model" for grades 4-12. (CMK)

Contends that speech ensembles can be useful in the music classroom, particularly at the middle school level, to help develop students' creative thinking, powers of expression, and skills in notation and counting. Offers five steps to guide students in creating speech ensembles that address the National Standards for Music Education. (CMK)

Describes a unit used with sixth-grade students focusing on jazz and blues that taught improvisation. Discusses the different levels of improvisation that were used, providing the beginning activities, and describes activities that focus on the third level of improvisation called product-oriented improvisation. (CMK)

Contends that music teachers can assist their elementary students in composing music using Orff techniques and computer technology. Describes (1) a unit on musical composition that begins with information on rhythm, melody, and form, (2) a demonstration for using the equipment, and (3) the composition process. Addresses obstacles to overcome and…

Presents a collaborative composition project for use in junior high bands that incorporates three standards from the National Standards for Music Education: (1) Standard 3: improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments; (2) Standard 4: composing and arranging music; and (3) Standard 9: understanding music in relation to history and culture.…

Explains that after the Columbus (Georgia) Symphony was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for American music, the symphony director gave a portion of the money for an elementary music composition class that utilized computers for two reasons: (1) students could get immediate feedback; and (2) the computers provided motivation. (CMK)