The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse specific instances of transactive communication as children engaged in a paired melody writing task using a computer-based composing environment. Transactive communication has been identified as one of the features of general collaborative engagement that is most helpful in an educational…

This paper focuses on the category of electronic musical instruments described as "gestural controllers"--motion sensor technology and specially adapted switches--which are widely used in special education. The therapeutic benefits of this technology in emancipating children from their cognitive or physical limitations are increasingly…

There are several possible ways for investigating the creative process in musical composition in order to induce certain assumptions about the nature of the compositional experience that may provide a certain philosophical framework for shaping compositional experiences in music educational settings at all levels. By taking an approach mainly…

The search for Nigerian-based content and methodology for music education has been one of the primary concerns of music educators in contemporary Nigeria. Debates and criticisms surrounding the existing curriculum are ongoing. A natural response to these criticisms is the suggestion of alternative solutions that aim to develop a Nigerian-based…

This article explores the use of lyric writing in elementary science. It details an exploratory project in which elementary students and a professional musician collaborated to write and record lyrics at the conclusion of an inquiry-based science unit. What we found was that lyric writing when used as a summary reflection activity in science…

Creativity involves generating novel concepts and products that are valued by the creator as well as by the public. In this paper, we argue that risk-taking in songwriting increases the likelihood of any individual's product being valued as creative. By reviewing the case histories of several successful songwriters, we show that heightened…

Piers Spencer and William Salaman edited the" BJME" between 1998 and 2002. During this period, a number of articles they published gave positive accounts of developments in instrumental teaching and learning, composing and creative music-making, and the increasing role of technology. Less happy findings emerged from investigations into…

This paper draws on results of a research project InterActive Education: Teaching and Learning in the Information Age (see www.interactiveeducation.ac.uk). The overall aim of the project was to examine ways in which new technologies can be used in educational settings to enhance learning. Research was carried out across a range of school subjects:…

This study investigated the viability of learning to play an improvised 12-bar blues on keyboard with both hands together in an asynchronous e-learning environment. The study also sought to reveal participant approaches to and reflections on this learning experience. Participants were video-taped as they engaged with six "Blues…

The use of a psychographic curve to illustrate the text of a musical composition is described. (DB)

The power of the rules of notation to cripple the musical creativity of a potential composer is discussed. (CK)

Legal issues involved in copyrighting are discussed. (CK)

The life of the author of an early American music book is portrayed in brief. (CK)