This module provides readers a broad view of the development of music and the plastic arts in Puerto Rico. At the same time, the module includes the names of Puerto Ricans who have found distinction in these fields of endeavor. A preassessment test, learning alternatives, postassessment test, and various narratives concerned with the theme of the…

Describes an individualized music reading program for middle school teachers. (Editor/RK)

The author outlines music education and instruction in the Soviet Union. He points out the accent on group rather than individual performance. (RK)

The author cautions against using a professional concert format for the high school ensemble concert, for they have different audiences and different goals. He suggests a number of ways for making the school ensemble concert a rewarding experience for all involved. (KC)

Focuses on preventing performance-related injuries for music students. Discusses techniques for preventing injury, such as warm-ups, information on stretching and strength training, exercises for the upper arms, torso, and for selected muscle groups. Includes illustrations for some exercises. (CMK)

Born in 1918, the youngest of 12 children, Walker Calhoun describes growing up on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina. The schools turned the Cherokee against their old ways, but Walker learned many old songs and dances from his uncle, Will West. Since retirement, Walker has taught the dances and songs to children. His material has been…

Reports on the effects of tempo direction, listening mode, and level of musical experience on speed and accuracy in tempo change among 160 music majors and nonmajors. Finds that music majors more accurately detected tempo changes than did nonmajors. (CFR)

Discusses the subjectivity, reliability, and musical validity of both holistic and segmented assessment of musical performance. Summarizes an experiment investigating the extent to which holistic assessment can be accounted for by means of a segmented grading system. Concludes that, although a single grade provides limited information about…

A theoretical framework is presented to explain expert performance as the end result of individuals' prolonged efforts to improve performance while negotiating motivational and external constraints. Empirical support is provided by 2 studies of 30 violin students and 12 pianists of differing abilities in Berlin (Germany). (SLD)

Presents an interview with Alan Menken that addresses his role as a composer, different influences and paths in his career, and the importance of music education in his life. Asserts that music should permeate all aspects of education because it is a vital aspect of a student's emotional and intellectual life. (CMK)

Examines the extent to which flow experiences account for differences in the amount of time young musicians spend practicing and their levels of performance achievement. Suggests that the moderate achievers' musical experiences at the specialist music school may not be conducive to sustaining long-term interest and progress in music. (CMK)

A study involving 261 composers, 108 inventors, 392 NFL wide receivers, and 112 eminent inventors found that eminent individuals exhibit a greater rate of creative outputs and that the production of outputs deviates from randomness no more than would be expected from chance fluctuation alone, except for some eminent individuals. (Contains…

Presents an interview with Clark Terry, who comments on his approach with children who know nothing about music, the most important qualities of a good teacher, and music and arts education in schools today. (CMK)

Offers an interview with Sir David Wilcocks, an organist, conductor, and music educator, in which he discusses different organs, what influenced him to become a musician, his experience of teaching a boy's choir, the characteristics of a great ensemble, musical compositions, his "Glories of Shakespeare" collection, and the importance of…