The author criticizes the institutons of opera education by delineating the inadequate performance skills often found in their graduates. He makes suggestions for change in opera training systems and professional standards. Part of a theme issue on opera. (SJL)

Studies have shown that sexism cannot only influence career choice, but even the musical instrument that a child chooses to play. The question music educators need to consider is how attitudes and behavior surrounding this issue can be modified. (Author/SJL)

Very little is known about the extent or depth of musical and artistic abilities of children in Britain. Attempts to find out why some children were outstandingly successful in music or art as compared with their peers, and to examine the unique problems implied in the identification and prediction of these specific attitudes. (Author/RK)

Provides a historical overview of the development of music programs in U.S. community colleges, drawing a parallel between their growth and expansion, and the evolution of two-year colleges since the early 1900s. Includes 40 citations. (JDI)

A survey of 22 writers, 27 artists, and 12 musicians compared their substance use (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, tranquilizers, stimulants, and narcotics) with that of a control group. In general, no significant intergroup differences were found. Older participants used marijuana less than younger participants.…

Analyzes orchestral repertoire data as indications of musical taste. Collects data from 34 U.S. and Canadian symphony orchestras from 1982 through 1987. Summarizes and compares programing of 600 composers and 10,500 works. Reveals that Mozart was most frequently performed, and Beethoven was given most time. Shows relationship between student and…

Discusses how teachers can help music students overcome performance anxiety. Divides performance anxiety into four major components: physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and psychological. Suggests fighting anxiety with relaxation techniques, imagery, cognitive statements, positive thinking, practice, and preparation. Discourages use of…

Bases a music participation theory on findings in music education, ethnomusicology, and sociology of leisure. Posits six types of music participants: professionals, apprentices, amateurs, hobbyists, recreationists, and dabblers. Distinguishes each type by theoretical variations in cost-benefit relationships as perceived by participants. Discusses…

Describes a high school music program in which students form strolling performance groups. Explains that violinists, violists, and even cellists play as they stroll through audiences. Suggests that strolling strings programs benefit both students and teachers by providing opportunities for creativity and enhancing musical skills. Provides a list…

Describes the 23rd conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME) in Pretoria, South Africa. Reports that the conference was a historic event that viewed music education through an international lens. Highlights the creation of ISME and discusses the conference for 2000 that will be held in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). (CMK)

Analyzes 15 performances of "Bach's Suite Number 3 for Violoncello solo, Bourree Number 1" and determines what patterns of rhythmic variation (rubato) were used by soloists. Indicates that the soloists demonstrated four identifiable and similar trends in the performances. (CMK)

States that hearing loss that occurs in the musical environment is commonly overlooked. Examines various aspects of the risks musicians take, such as hazardous environments, ignorance, and excessive sound levels. Offers two solutions to reduce the risks: (1) ear protection; and (2) modifications to the environment. Includes references. (CMK)

Explains that in order to achieve a balance between the goals of preparing music for performance and developing capable musicians during choral rehearsals, teachers should employ four rehearsal techniques: (1) the Whole/Part/Whole approach; (2) discovering relationships within compositions; (3) repetition with meaning; and (4) gesture-based…

Discusses the similarities of adult musicians' experiences in five Japanese community and company bands and the experiences encountered in the United States. Focuses on the profile of the Japanese musicians, their reasons for being musicians, the teaching methods and funding of the bands, and rehearsal/performance experiences. Addresses…

Maintains that the works of Grazyna Bacewicz foster musical growth and appreciation, increase students' technical skills, and expand their cultural horizons by acquainting students with the traditions of Poland. Explains that her compositions can be adapted to many different teaching approaches and tailored for students of all ages. (CMK)