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)

Novice listeners have difficulty perceiving form in music because they experience music episodically, not holistically; and because conditioned by popular music to respond emotionally, they see no reason for intellectual analysis. To achieve aesthetic literacy, students must be taught both analytic and aesthetic perception, utilizing both brain…

Addresses how the National Standards can be incorporated into band rehearsals using the music piece, "Balladair" (Frank Erickson), as an example when teaching techniques and musical concepts. Provides ideas such as using material from "Balladair" to create warm-ups or relating the piece to other arts. (CMK)

Focuses on how important it is for teachers to understand music editorial practices. Explains that the knowledge can help them select appropriate performing editions of music for their classes. Provides background information on editorial practices and the philosophy and methodology behind them. Discusses the nature of primary sources. (CMK)