The primary objective of this project was to design a responsive environment using a computer-controlled organ for children to learn music principles. Three secondary objectives set in the development of this environment were to create the means for: 1) entering, storing, and replaying complex music; 2) viewing the time-space relationships…

A course in performaning organization in which students increase performance skills individually and in ensemble with emphasis on stylistic characteristics of the music studied is presented. Course objectives include: (1) The student will recognize the major and minor modes aurally and by notation; (2) The student will identify aurally and by…

A course in introduction to music emphasizing modes and forms is presented. The approach used is a laboratory one in which pupils will develop skill in playing string instruments, sing, listen to, read and compose music with emphasis on identification of elementary concepts of mode and form. Course objectives include: (1) The pupil will select the…

A course in music which emphasizes harmony is presented. The approach used is a laboratory one in which pupils will develop skill in playing orchestral string instruments, sing, listen to, read and compose music with emphasis on elementary concepts of harmony. Course objectives include: (1) The student will select the title of a familiar melody…

A series of films focused on movement education and rhythm training in string playing with emphasis on the violin were developed. An introductory film deals with principles of movement in string playing. Fifteen additional titles offer guidance to the student and teacher in the various details of basic string instruction. A summary film presents a…

This paper synthesizes explorations from two research projects with 3- and 4-year-olds in the areas of instrumental music-making and telephone discourse, sharing an approach to research with young children in which the adult participates in the child's activity and seeks to share the initiative. The interpretive, participatory approaches used are…

This report describes a program for intensifying student motivation to increase their weekly instrumental practice time. The targeted population was second and third-year instrumental music students in grades 5-6. The students were drawn from two different elementary schools within the same district in an upper-middle class community adjacent to a…

Seven string educators respond to questions about repertoire sources for novice players, the teaching of improvisation, weaknesses in current instructional materials, ensemble size, the integration of Suzuki's methods into traditional programs, the problems of a violinist teaching other instruments, and coordination of school and other youth…

Focuses on the topic of positive communication, developed by Haim Ginott. Provides an example of using positive communication in music with young children. Describes the principles of positive communication and discusses how negative communication can be changed. (CMK)

Presents results of a study of the relationship between the diagnostic skills of string music teachers and the performance competencies of their students. Reports no significant relationship between teacher skills and student competencies. Presents teacher ratings of the influence of 22 factors on students' musical achievement. (SG)

Suggests that the bias linking guitars to popular culture has needlessly limited approaches to teaching guitar. Examines how each of five current programs develops different music skills. Advocates a comprehensive, multifaceted program capable of emphasizing student skills in melody, harmony, perception, creativity, and performance over six years…

Contends that many choral programs suffer from a continued dependence on the piano for music learning and intonation. Provides suggestions that will help students develop sight-reading and singing skills that are not centered around the piano, such as creating a sight-reading system and having students read choral music immediately. (CMK)

Advocates using the singing voice and the study of folk music in instrumental instruction. Recommends instrumental teachers confer with voice teachers to coordinate ideas and terminology. Includes several excerpts of scores and musical exercises, as well as a list of selected resources. (MJP)

This article discusses the results of a survey conducted by the author asking music teachers why they leave their jobs. The author compiled an e-mail survey and sent it to instrumental music teachers who were making plans to leave their jobs for new positions or to leave the music education profession entirely. In order to widen the pool of…

This activity is the result of a school-university collaboration among four educators (two intermediate classroom teachers, a vice-principal/teacher, and a university-based teacher educator/researcher) who worked together to improve the quality of learning in the classroom. The educators combined their teaching expertise to plan and co-teach an…