One component of a model of creativity, the application of an understanding of elements, was explored through a study of college students applying their understanding of such musical elements as harmony, melody, rhythm, timbre, and dynamics. The 24 subjects were students in a music appreciation class, and the project was implemented using a…

This Sourcebook can serve as a much needed resource in strengthening the study of African and Afro-American music, an area of specialization that has been neglected in most traditional study programs. The work is divided into two major parts, and 2 appendices. African Music, Part I, contains a bibliography of books about Africa, music, musical…

This manual was designed to accompany a computer software resource (Macintosh diskette and three CD-Rom discs) aimed at helping students with no previous musical knowledge, develop specific comprehension skills in classical music. The materials are based on the premise that conventional musical forms are abstract prototypes of whole classes of…

ReWrite is a teaching strategy designed to help students explore content area topics using music. Starting with limited knowledge about a topic, students read, watch videos, visit museums, listen to guest speakers, and collect new ideas about a topic that they can write about in music form. ReWrite offers a means of exploring common misconceptions…

Article presents the case for student musical composition in high school and suggests ways to initiate the creative process. (RK)

Provides historical information about music education, focusing on musical composition and its lack of inclusion within public education. Discusses two ways technology is utilized within music education, either for efficiency or for transformative purposes. Asserts that transformation in musical composition can lead to more educational…

Analyzes the time children of different ages, sex, and proficiency levels spent on various compositional processes while creating a melody. Suggests that the amount of time used for exploration, development, repetition, and silence has an effect on the subject's ability to replicate the melody. Finds developmental differences in strategies for…

Discusses the abilities a conductor must invoke in order to develop a successful choral ensemble. Recommends recruitment strategies, lists characteristics of successful teaching styles, offers suggestions for programing and literature selection, for score analysis, and for rehearsal structure and techniques. (LS)

Quantifies and confirms subjective impressions of similarity and differences in musical monophonic scores. Adapts concepts from sequence comparison theory and uses algorithms to define distances between any two melodies created by tone and rhythmic structure. Presents and applies a generalized algorithm for identifying locally similar portions in…

A review of the research on similarities and differences between creative women and men in the areas of the visual arts, creative writing, mathematics, musical composition, and science suggests a need for educators to stress the importance of commitment and intensity in pursuing a chosen field. (DB)

Contends that many violin students attempt difficult concertos before they are technically or musically prepared. Identifies a variety of concertos at the intermediate and advanced intermediate-level for students to study and master before attempting the advanced works by Bach and Mozart. Includes concertos by Vivaldi, Leclair, Viotti, Haydn,…

Attempts to develop a song-writing technique to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in abused children from 9 to 17 years old, all patients of an inpatient psychiatric child/adolescent unit who had been physically and/or sexually abused. Finds no significant change in overall scores due to treatment condition. (SR)

Discusses the collaboration between an art and a music teacher whose seventh grade students wrote an opera based on the children's story "The Egyptian Cinderella." Addresses familiarizing students with composing music, student roles, and writing the compositions. Provides helpful hints and considers the benefits of this project. (CMK)

Contends that music teachers can assist their elementary students in composing music using Orff techniques and computer technology. Describes (1) a unit on musical composition that begins with information on rhythm, melody, and form, (2) a demonstration for using the equipment, and (3) the composition process. Addresses obstacles to overcome and…