A basic assumption of this study is that there are generally agreed upon performance standards as evidenced by the use of adjudicators for evaluations at contests and festivals. An evaluation instrument was developed to enable raters to measure effectively those aspects of performance that have common standards of proficiency. (Author/RK)

It can be concluded from the results of this study that beginning wind students can learn to perceive beats and perceive when they are eliminated, that beginning wind students can learn to match unison pitches by the beat elimination process, and that most beginning wind students can use the beat elimination process to achieve correct intonation.…

Presents a cross section of musicians and music of many peoples and countries who all share one common need - to express themselves with music. (RK)

Many different cultures and religions have shaped the musics of Southeast Asia. Author states that musical variants are produced by differing depths of penetration by outside influences. (Author/RK)

Article examines the music and musical instruments of an area commonly referred to as the South Sea Isles. Author also points out the musical function and cultural meaning of specific musical styles. (RK)

The MusicSystem is a sixteen-voice digital synthesizer consisting of a music editor, music player, music merger, and instrument definer. The system is appropriate for upper grade elementary school students and disabled students and is also sophisticated enough to accommodate advanced research and composition by professionals. (KC)

These three short articles are designed to help nonmusicians bring musical experiences into their classrooms. The articles discuss teaching resources for the nonmusical teacher; making simple, inexpensive rhythm instruments; and musical games. (Editor/SJL)

The author reviews major styles of secular Western music from the early Middle Ages through the sixteenth century, pointing out features that would appeal to a modern audience. A selected list of published collections of early music is appended. (SJL)

Creeeak, clank, aieeee! Mix scary sound effects, imagination and fun to brew a spine-tingling tale. (Editor)

A survey of 28 music teachers in schools for the visually impaired and in mainstreamed primary schools in the United Kingdom found that the special schools spent more time on music instruction. Other findings dealt with types of instruments used and types of activities included in the music lessons. (JDD)

Percussion programming can be integrated into a camping experience that actively involves campers in clapping, singing, and dancing. Provides suggestions for making percussion instruments out of natural materials, and offers ideas for using percussion in storytelling, listening activities, and camper wake-up calls. (LP)

Discusses a survey of the music education interests of adults who attended musical events in Austin, Texas. Reports that the piano was the instrument most frequently chosen for private study, choral groups were the preferred performance organizations, and music history and aural analysis were favorite academic study areas. Examines influences upon…

Presents hands-on science activities that help students learn the concepts of hearing and sound while allowing students to practice science process skills. Students investigate the use of alternative phonograph speakers and needles and apply the knowledge learned to the construction of one-string banjos. (MDH)

Presents a lesson plan for keyboard instruction excerpted from "Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level and High School Keyboard" (compiled by Martha Hilley and Tommie Pardue. Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1996). Provides objectives, materials, required background knowledge, procedures, evaluation indicators, and…

Attempts to determine the relative difficulty of playing selected types of melodic pattern by ear; studies the effects of performance experience and instrument family on the ability to play by ear; and investigates the relationship between tonal aptitude and ability to play by ear. Presents results and questions for further research. (DSK)