To plan effective rehearsals and meaningful performances, band directors must engage in thorough score study and carefully construct standards-based lesson plans. While some may consider these separate steps, numerous aspects of the score-study process can help band directors create and implement standards-based lessons. When planning lessons…

This paper describes how the musical dice game can be used with beginning, intermediate, or advanced students. In the musical dice game, the student composes six separate musical compositions of five measures each. Each measure of the musical compositions is written on a separate, numbered card. The performance of each measure is determined by…

Students' understanding of musical style periods was assessed at Liberty Baptist College. The investigation was prompted by evidence suggesting that non-music majors who complete a music appreciation course understand a broad overview of music history better than music majors who complete music history courses. Compared to the music history…

An upper division college-level course dealing with women composers for both music majors and nonmusic majors is outlined. The course provides an historical and analytical survey of western music through works composed by women, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Students listen to music, participate in class discussions, and listen to…

The purpose of this study was to characterize the behavior of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children engaged in improvisational musical tasks. Ten subjects from each of the four age levels participated in the 4-year investigation, which lasted until the 2-year-olds reached 5 years of age. Children met individually with the investigator for 15 minutes…

This teacher's guide is designed to accompany two 15-minute color television programs dealing with the creative process involved in conceiving a composition. The programs are appropriate for junior high school string students and instrumental students in string methods courses at teacher training institutions. In the program, the composer explains…

This report is the second part of a study designed to construct a test for measuring musical aptitude of persons from various age groups. It covers the construction of the test, material, item analysis, reliability, validity, and possible future steps. The test is composed of musical recordings, determined from pilot studies, that the test groups…

Describes activities and exercises that develop children's music appreciation and general listening skills, preparing them for composing original lyrics and music. (RL)

The author, an associate professor of music education at Pennsylvania State University and some undergraduate music education students explored possible uses of the synthesizer as they attempted to provide experiences in electronic music for a class of fifth grade students. Their program consisted of five lessons in the elements of music which are…

The following elements of music are examined to show differences and similarities between Afro-American and Euro-American musical and cultural traditions: (1) cultural context, (2) time, (3) rhythm, and (4) form. Both traditions address the American experience and a greater understanding of their musical styles is crucial to inter- and…

Discusses computer programs used to teach: engineers to analyze structural stress and strain; salesmen to sell; managers to write memos; musicians to compose; and pilots to use navigational instruments. A list of software on noncomputer subjects is provided; each entry includes title, supplier, format, current price, and computer needed. (JN)

Music motivator projects that enable the elementary teacher to use social science methods (known as ethnomethodology) to observe and learn about students without testing are described. Working in groups and guiding each other, students compose a musical composition and then notate it. Discovery learning is encouraged. (RM)

Article described a program with the goal of developing a creative music curriculum that would interest and challenge sixth-graders. Students were motivated to write the lyrics and music for their own songs. (Author/RK)

This book addresses the nature of music education and argues for a broad-based view which is globally inclusive and acknowledges a long, distinguished history. The book asserts that music education has often been too narrowly focused on music instruction in elementary and secondary schools. Through a process of intellectual questioning, the reader…

Total conducting ability involves technique, mechanics, insight into elements of expression, and musical sensitivity. Presented are eight basic principles which combine musicianship and conducting. (KC)