The primary purpose of this study was to examine composition practices in public schools across the state of Indiana, to investigate who incorporates composition and why they chose to use or not use composing tasks. A second purpose was to learn if teachers had an operational definition for composition. Three hundred thirty-nine teachers…

This study explored nonverbal communication in one-to-one music performance instruction by investigating relationships among nonverbal sensitivity, nonverbal behaviors and lesson effectiveness. Subjects (N = 120) comprised 60 college teachers and 60 of their non-music major students. Using the Music Lesson Evaluation Form, lesson effectiveness was…

This paper emphasizes the importance of music as an integral part of the education of the young child, and draws attention to a few ways in which parents and teachers can contribute to children's musical development. Sections of the paper focus on seven questions: (1) Is music really universal? (2) When should musical training begin? (3) When…

This music curriculum guide for the required music component of the fine arts curriculum in Alberta (Canada) covers concepts, skills, and attitudes, as well as enrichment and integration activities. Concepts are the intellectual framework of the music program and are divided into five elements: (1) rhythm, (2) melody, (3) harmony, (4) form, and…

Brief information is provided on the region, climate, agriculture and industry of 10 provinces in Portugal: Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, located in Portugal's northeastern region; Beira Alta, the province with Portugal's highest elevation point; Beira Baixa, one of Portugal's poorest regions; Beira Litoral, located in central Portugal along the…

Reactions to attitude items from the first national assessment of music expressed by a panel of music educators during a two-day conference on implications of the entire assessment are reproduced in this report. The panel states that aesthetic sensitivity is the ultimate goal of music education; however, the attitude items in the assessment do not…

To enhance school children's understanding of and appreciation for the performing arts, an ESEA Title III project presented live performances by professional brass, woodwind, and string ensembles to children of the 275 public and parochial elementary schools of Bergen County, New Jersey. As part of the program, children read a book especially…

A trunkful of articles representative of local and regional history forms the basis for the exploration of historical issues.

This booklet provides suggestions and techniques to promote and enhance the music education of British children who have visual impairments. The following issues are addressed: (1) recognizing early signs of interest; (2) choosing an instrument; (3) choosing a teacher; (4) getting started; (5) providing lessons; (6) practicing; (7) signs of…

Music and arts education programs are the first to be cut when school budgets tighten. Successful ways to prevent severe cuts are outlined and music program essentials are described. The principal's role is the key. (MD)

Identifies keyboards as effective vehicles for long-term and in-depth music instruction. Recommends using keyboard instruction as a centerpiece for meeting the National Standards for Music Education. Describes a number of instructional activities supporting this goal. (MJP)

Four case studies of gifted education programs in England are described, including the development of a teacher handbook based on the principles behind accelerated learning, the identification of students with musical ability and the provision of musical instrument lessons, and the development of a portable information communication technology…

Describes a Chinese lesson during which the techniques for playing the yang-ch'in are taught. Discusses why Chinese teachers use rote instruction in music lessons and why they use poetry and nonmusical scenes as indicators of music's expressiveness. Compares this method of utilizing imitation with U.S. teaching techniques and relates it to…

Described are science activities in which students concentrate on their senses and make discoveries with their eyes, ears, noses, mouths, and hands. Suggested experiments include activities involving cooking, tasting, observing, floating and sinking objects, making rain, and stringed musical instruments. (RT)

Critiques a doctoral dissertation that examines the possibility of producing a computer-based interactive videodisc from existing instructional resources. States that music educators will find the study has applications for the teaching of music and music skills. (LS)