Discusses the life of William Billings, an early American composer and a leader in one of the earliest forms of organized music education in the United States: singing schools and singing societies. Examines his contributions to the U.S. musical heritage and briefly surveys his publications. (GEA)

Examines a dissertation that provides a classification and analysis of 197 "bebop" themes. Explains a major drawback of the study is the author's unwillingness to interpret his data and answer questions the study raises. Concludes with a rebuttal which defends the study and explains the research rationale. (BSR)

Ellen Zwilich was the first young woman to earn a doctorate in composition from the Juilliard School, and in 1983, she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. In this interview, she discusses many topics, including her music and what she looks for in an audience. (RM)

William Grant Still died in 1978, but excerpts from a 1968 interview are now made available. Still discusses his life and work, especially his experiences as a Black composer in a still largely segregated America. He attempted to integrate his classical training with his roots in Black culture. (CS)

The Music Industry Council serves as a liaison between the music educators of the United States and the manufacturing and publishing firms that supply the materials and equipment used in music education. Here are specific suggestions for the guidance of music educators in the business contacts essential to their teaching programs. (Editor/RK)

Explains exactly how great an impact American music and musicians have had abroad, and how overly cautious we tend to be in recognizing our own gifts. (Editor/RK)

The author described a course in freshman composition that he designed. In it students were taught not only to write effectively but also to study composers and other artists. The intention was for students to learn about persons who created musical works and other art while learning about themselves. (RK)

A monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

The essence of what the author had to say in this paper was that creative artists frequently use words like honesty and truth in describing themselves at work, that honesty and truth are at the core of what they are doing in art. (Author/RK)

Article provides statements and questions about music education as well as responses and answers in attempting to develop conceptual awareness for students and teachers. (RK)

Records a conversation between American composer Aaron Copland and Malcolm E. Besson, editor of Music Educators Journal. Mr. Copland discusses teaching, American music, and notes the greater number of composers writing today, and the livelier atmosphere of college music departments. (DS)

Discusses the development of musical thought in China. (RK)

Discusses the structural elements of ragtime. (Author/RK)

A program to develop the talents of music educators is described. (CK)

After giving an historical picture of music, the author points out the new directions and changes of music. (MF)