Discusses how to teach improvisation to younger students by utilizing genres other than jazz, such as bluegrass, blues, ska, reggae, rap, klezmer, and rock. Describes each of these genres and gives a sequence of six steps to help music teachers organize classroom improvisation. (CMK)

Suggests choral teachers use rap music to promote student interest and to teach music basics, such as rhythm, pitch, harmony, and timbre. Maintains that students can write the arrangements allowing them to gain experience in notating. Identifies selected recordings and offers an example of how to use rap music. (CMK)