Music instruction is organized by skill and concept in this 12-part curriculum guide. In parts 1 and 2, a statement of philosophy is followed by a conceptual chart providing an overview of the 1-12 curriculum by concept. Kindergarten curriculum is outlined in part 3. Part 4, which outlines concept development for grades 1 through 6, is subdivided…

How secondary students can be taught to think critically about the music they are performing is described. Classes must be structured to involve the student in analysis of performance options, experimentation, and conducting, as well as critical analysis of the teacher's interpretative decisions. (RM)

Discusses classroom management techniques and music activities for handicapped children in mainstreamed and special education classes. Classroom techniques are designed around students' poor reading and concentration abilities, multisensory experiences, and consistent discipline using positive reinforcement. Music activities are used to reinforce…

Discusses the role of popular music choirs in secondary schools and colleges. Their extensive repertoires, including folk music, jazz and show-tune medleys, and variety music, make pop choirs an excellent method for teaching singing skills and music theory. Information on starting a pop choir is included. (AM)

Focuses on creating warm-up exercises for use with choral groups, offering tips for developing the exercises. Explains that a warm-up is useful for teaching students to sing, listen, and learn specific music concepts and activities. Provides a list of additional resources and example activities. (CMK)

The responsibility for helping students attain competence in music-reading skills must fall on choral directors and choral music teachers from middle schools on up. Teachers must teach rhythmic and tonal vocabularies and pitch accuracies. Methods are described. (RM)

Establishing music as an integral part of the elementary curriculum is one of the most pressing challenges facing music educators. The tremendous motivational power of music should be utilized in education. Four music activities which can be used with elementary students to reinforce reading activities are described. (RM)

Proposes instructional strategies for directors of jazz groups, including guidelines for developing of skills necessary for good performance. Includes effective methods for positive changes in ensemble style. Addresses jazz group problems such as beat, tempo, staying in tune, wind power, and solo/ensemble lines. Discusses percussionists, bassists,…

Provides a strategy from the book "Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level General Music" that addresses Standard 3C from the National Standards for Music Education in which students improvise melodies in various styles on the keyboard using the G-flat major and E-flat minor scales. Describes the procedure, indicators of success, and…

Relates a technique that helps students learn dictation while enjoying the topic. Provides six steps: (1) send students to the blackboard to take dictation; (2) have students listen first; (3) ask students to isolate melody from rhythm; (4) have all students sing using solfege syllables; (5) provide feedback; and (6) accommodate varying abilities.…

Discusses how Orff-Schulwerk methods are used to teach music ensemble skills to mentally retarded adolescents. The author describes how the analysis of basic musical tasks reveals the essential subskills of motor coordination, timing, and attentiveness necessary to music-making. Specific teaching methods for skill development and Orff…

Discusses the importance of developing second grade student listening, singing, and composing skills. Explores the second-grade singing apprenticeship where students can sing alone, as a group, or listen to other groups. Focuses on teaching singing skills and allowing students to experiment with music. (CMK)

Focuses on the importance of helping beginning wind instrumentalists develop their tone-quality and intonation. Discusses how students can develop their skills related to posture, breathing, and embouchure. Includes a bibliography of resources. (CMK)

Approaches the training of an inexperienced choir by using the concepts of melody and scale to promote confidence and skill in choral singing. Laying this groundwork allows students to develop their aural skills, as well as their confidence and enjoyment of performance. (LS)

States that finding works to challenge the technique and stimulate the musicianship of young performers can be a difficult and yet rewarding task for music teachers, directors, and composers. Provides a list of annotated suggestions of works from the standard orchestral repertoire that may work well with young orchestras. (CMK)