The Music Industry Council serves as a liaison between the music educators of the United States and the manufacturing and publishing firms that supply the materials and equipment used in music education. Here are specific suggestions for the guidance of music educators in the business contacts essential to their teaching programs. (Editor/RK)

The author states that in a melody/harmony/rhythm sense, improvising on a synthesizer is no different from improvising on any other instrument. The capabilities of synthesizers are described, and exercises and methods to be used with synthesizers are outlined. (KC)

Three teaching units are presented as models for integrating the guitar in a comprehensive musicianship program. Designed for high school or college level, each emphasizes composition and improvisation. The units deal with the use of tremolo, quartal harmonic structure, and variation technique. Selected readings, music, and recordings are listed.…

During the three thousand years in which the present music notation system has evolved, numerous notation methods have been considered, each with shortcomings in its ability either to meet the requirements of modern composers or to serve as an instructional system. Considers what must be done in order to satisfy the needs of both the advanced…

Describes musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), a communication system that uses digital data to enable MIDI-equipped instruments to communicate with each other. Includes discussion of music editors, sequencers, compositional software, and commonly used computers. Suggests uses for the technology for students and teachers. Urges further…

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…

This teacher's guide presents a course for training hearing-impaired students to listen to, create, and perform music. It emphasizes development of individual skills and group participation, encouraging students to contribute a wide variety of auditory and musical abilities and experiences while developing auditory acuity and attention. A variety…

Asserts that a revolution has been occurring in musicology since the 1970s. Contends that music has change from being only a source of emotion to appearing more open to science and techniques based on computer technology. Describes recent research and other writings about the topic and provides an extensive bibliography. (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)

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)

The introduction for this Alberta (Canada) music education guide offers reasons for students to study the fine arts at the secondary school level. A philosophy of music education is presented along with 5 key outcomes and 11 music appreciation expectations for secondary students to attain. The volume features wind and percussion instruments. The…

Discusses the importance of applying computational modeling and artificial intelligence techniques to music cognition and computer music research. Recommends three uses of microworlds to trim computational theories to their bare minimum, allowing for better and easier comparison. (CFR)

Provides a lesson plan for beginning string students using a basic rhythm from Zimbabwe's Shona people and then building upon that rhythm. Briefly discusses simple yet effective techniques for playing and adapting African music. Includes musical scores, teaching tips, and selected recordings. (MJP)

This book integrates music education with literature and social studies. Lessons are based on children's books. Some suggested books include illustrated folk songs or explanations of style or form in musical history. Others are inherently musical in the lyricism of the author's words or the rhythm of the text. Each lesson is self contained. The…