Author describes teaching unit of Rod McKuen poems for sixth grade class study. (RY)

The majority of artists cannot support themselves on their earnings from their creations. Most resort to other types of employment, which range from teaching to truck driving, to meet their financial needs. (CK)

Using Bob Dylan's three somewhat different versions of "It Ain't Me, Babe," the author investigates the variables of Dylan's performances and how they alter the meanings of his songs, and suggests that the more we know about popular song the more we will understand the songs we subsequently encounter. (KC)

The author attempts to briefly review the current state of music education; relate this situation to theoretical elements of the musical experience; describe the educational strategies required to deal with the complexity of musical experience; and suggest a possible pedagogical and theoretical orientation to the problems of professional music…

The author suggests that instruction in musical improvisation can serve any student interested in music. Improvisation is defined, teaching suggestions are presented, and selected resources for teaching with improvisation are included. The emphasis is on jazz, though most information is applicable to other kinds of improvisation. (KC)

Although they abandon traditional techniques and materials, today's radical composers may still be considered the logical continuation of Western classical tradition, for they retain the one thing most characteristic of Western music: self-conscious, intellectual, individualized craftsmanship. (Part of a theme issue on aspects of contemporary…

This discussion of copyright law on music focuses on the special problems of the band director who wishes to make a special arrangement or alteration of a copyrighted work. Guidelines and a sample form are provided for securing the publisher's permission to arrange a musical work. (SJL)

Finger-snapping, toe-tapping music is a prelude to penmanship practice. (Editor)

Describes a strategy for teaching blues improvisation to beginning and intermediate level improvisation students. Focuses on three aspects of the method: (1) phrase structure; (2) dramatic shape; and (3) thematic development. Includes a bibliography of resources and a list of terminology. (CMK)

Offers suggestions for students and teachers for learning jazz improvisation. Discusses listening, practicing scales, chords, phrasing, developing a sense of swing, and shaping creative ideas through structural features. Emphasizes the relationship between chords and scales as a critical key to improvisation. Recommends educational materials to…

Provides tips for choral directors to use in selecting repertoire for school ensembles. Explains that the first step in choosing repertoire must be a systematic assessment of the singers, the director, and the program's objectives. Suggests that each composition must be appraised for musical content, teaching value, and aesthetic appeal. (DK)

Contends that only students with performance or composing abilities are given a chance to explore music in their education. Stresses the importance of teaching all students how to listen to music in an active, "minds-on" way instead of only teaching hands-on activities. Challenges the traditional music curriculum by refuting five myths…

Provides a chronology of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington's career divided into four periods (Sound and Style, Creative Explosion, Beyond Jazz, and The Last Decade). Offers a synopsis of his musical development, listing compositions written during each phase. Includes a list of resources and a sample lesson for "Koko" by Duke Ellington. (CMK)

Explains that concerts provide the perfect opportunity for showing the community the importance of the school music program and also enable students to demonstrate what they have learned in performing groups and classes. Provides different activities that involve the audience in the concert and promote audience education. (CMK)

States that music teachers have a responsibility to introduce their students to music outside of the standard violin repertoire in order to assist them in their careers as musicians. Offers two recital series of sonatas that have been disregarded by performing artists and describes the musical compositions in each of the two series. (CMK)