Argues that music educators must begin to use computers in classroom management and instruction. Discusses the results of the Michigan Computer Music Survey that indicated that 50% of band and orchestra instructors were using computers in their work. Provides suggestions for purchasing and using computers in music education. (CFR)

Maintains that the ability and experience of improvisation is an essential component in young musicians' education. Discusses one teacher's trial-and-error efforts in introducing improvisational exercises into her students classical training. Includes a list of resources and representative musical examples. (MJP)

Provides some tips on jazz instruction for the beginning music educator who may not have had much experience in that field. Specifically recommends teaching guide tones, the root, third, and seventh chords, as an invaluable aid to jazz improvisation. Includes musical notation showing guide tones for two jazz standards. (MJP)

We focus on the music students at a conservatoire (A) that only trains performers and composers (performers/composers); a conservatoire (B) that also trains classroom teachers (education students); and a university (C) with only education students. We used a questionnaire to compare the experience and beliefs as instrumental teachers of the…

In this case study of the impact of professional development (PD) activities in music on staff at a childcare centre, the researcher was also the provider of PD. The needs of the staff and their preferred mode of PD delivery were negotiated with the researcher, resulting in a number of sessions where new resources and teaching ideas were modelled…

This 1993 study attempts to define the size and scope of state-wide economic activity generated by the arts in California. The analysis is based on data from surveys of nonprofit arts organization and five case studies. The case studies, which provided context for the core research, include examinations of: (1) artists in Los Angeles County; (2)…

Developed to acquaint students with the Honolulu (Hawaii) Youth Symphony Concerts program, this booklet focuses on information and activities to help make concert attendance meaningful and enjoyable for students. Goals and learning concepts are described, and information about each of the symphony's musical instruments is included. The chronology…

Designed for instruction of emotionally handicapped children and youth, these seven articles offer activities and concepts relative to music and outdoor education. The first article presents 12 specific objectives and 40 specific activities (e.g., action singing using motions to describe words). The second article presents three basic concepts…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a survey of music in Australian schools. The survey included all types of schools, and includes facilities and equipment for musical education, and the use made of them. The courses of study, organization of musical activities, finance, supervision, teacher training, and…

A course in introduction to the conducting of music groups of voices or instruments is presented. The approach used is a laboratory approach in which pupils will develop skills in score reading, physical gestures, rehearsal techniques, transpositions, voice and instrument ranges. Course objectives include: (1) The pupil will identify all…

Divides musical composition selection for student orchestras into two categories, teaching repertoire and concert repertoire. Provides a number of helpful hints and criteria for selecting both. Includes "Ten Terrific Titles,""Super String Selections," a list of premiere selections for grades two through six, and a list of selected resources. (MJP)

Interviews the Canadian Brass, a quintet of classically trained musicians who combine a disciplined performance with comedic presentation. The musicians discuss their education, family influence, early careers, and the contribution they make to music education efforts in general. (MJP)

Recommends adding electronic keyboard to vocally based music curricula for elementary students. Argues that the keyboard provides a graphic representation for musical understanding. Suggests teaching keyboard in small, manageable, hierarchically structured steps. Offers suggestions from finger placement and creating sound effects in first grade to…

Compares the quality of music education in a sample of primary and secondary schools in England during the academic year of 1993-94. Finds that lessons given in primary schools matched the needs of learners and were adjusted by teachers according to student responses. Concludes that primary schools' quality of teaching was higher. (CMK)

Describes a music major program that was created at a high school to help students prepare for a future career in music, provide documentation of their four years of study in music for the college application process, and continue to study music after high school. (CMK)