Using dichotic listening methodology, 25 musicians and 25 nonmusicians were compared on four cerebral lateralization tasks: melodies, tonal patterns, rhythm patterns, and verbal stimuli. Musicians demonstrated superior performance on the music tasks. Results are interpreted in terms of superior cognitive strategies of musicians as a function of…

The author describes the evolution of the American musical since 1750 and emphasizes the often overlooked importance of the orchestrator. She discusses the talents of several extraordinarily gifted musicians. (KC)

The author reviews several perspectives on the relationship between the composer and the performer of a musical work. Specifically, he examines the boundaries of that relationship, seeking to define the extent to which the performer may creatively interpret a work without violating the composer's intentions or established musical tradition. (SJL)

The positive aspects of improvisation (careful listening, response to words, notes and sounds) are presented, as are obstacles to improvisation (fear of ridicule, and the "comedian syndrome"). Nevertheless, it can help the rule-bound see the need for freedom or the undisciplined see the need for more understanding. (Author/KC)

Undergraduate music majors and nonmajors rated 17 musical instruments and two related musical occupations on a masculine/feminine scale. The harp, flute, and piccolo had high feminine ratings; the trumpet, string bass, and tuba had high masculine ratings. Instrument ratings were significantly different for major, but not for gender. (Author/SJL)

The doctoral degree is irrelevant in evaluating the artist-teacher. It is not that studio teachers dislike the doctorate or are incapable of attaining one, it is that the doctoral degree has no important meaning to their role--the creation, transmission and performance of music. (Author/SJL)

This article presents an overview on women composers in the United States from the eighteenth century to the present. It also lists women's musical organizations, selected references on women in music, and available recordings of works by American women composers. (SJL)

Gives ideas, suggestions, impressions, and opinions on teaching musical acoustics specifically to musicians both in and out of the classroom. The approach is practical and is intended for physics teachers involved with musical acoustics. (Author/GA)

Descriptions of Juilliard's reputation, student selection process, staff, and study program illustrate the pressures experienced by the student. The school emphasizes the traditional, nineteenth century role of the musician, which is thought to promote an aloof and remote sensibility of people to art. (LBH)

Discusses how "the operation of a small independent music production company takes place within a complex environment. Intense forces, both positive and negative, interact in a unique way in the development of a black music company." (Author/JM)

Keyboard musicians sight-read passages of music in which the amount of information about the presence of phrase units was systematically varied. Results suggest a clear analogy between the cognition of music and language, in that knowledge of abstract structure is of importance in the organization of immediate visual processing of text. (Editor/RK)

The intent of this study was to explore several segments of divergent intelligence, visual stimulus complexity as a cognitive style, and auditory acuity, that presumably characterize the artistically expressive person. (Editor)

Explores the detailed processes whereby concert performances of serious music are collectively achieved in rehearsal. The article concentrates on a youth orchestra rehearsing a section of a Beethoven symphony that was audiotaped. The article further focuses on the "talk" that shapes the collective musical activities rather than the…

Presents an interview with Ron Logan who has served as an executive vice president for Walt Disney Entertainment. Focuses on topics, such as: influential teachers in his life, his career, how he selects scripts for musical productions, and advice for students who want to work in the music industry. (CMK)

Investigates the effectiveness of breathing instruction on the breath management, performance, and knowledge of breathing among college-level brass musicians. Finds that breathing instruction significantly improved the breath management and knowledge of the breathing for the experimental groups and the musical range of the trombone players in the…