This article presents an interview with Willie L. Hill Jr., founder and director of the Society for Jazz Education. Currently a professor of music education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the director of the UMass Fine Arts Center, Hill has served as director of education for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. He is a past…

Aspects of dance training can be helpful in improving performance skills on the piano. These include correct posture, breathing, and a physical sense of self. Learning to move to music, whether through formal training or on one's own, can help relaxation, concentration, and endurance. (CS)

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)

Presents arguments for and against teaching music reading skills. Opponents say that students rarely use music reading skills after high school and that this music reading objective has never been successful. Proponents claim that a major objective of music programs is to produce musically independent students. (AM)

The advent of high technology into the classroom raises the issue of proper computer training of both undergraduate students and the current teacher population. Teachers must learn a new terminology, acquire computer skills, and develop understanding of hardware and software availability and usefulness. (CS)

Focuses on the use of cooperative learning in the music classroom to teach the National Standards for Music Education. Discusses how to create groups and other practical matters of cooperative learning that need to be addressed by teachers. Includes a bibliography of resources to assist teachers using cooperative learning. (CMK)

Focuses on ways to develop student creative thinking, improvisation, and composition skills in instrumental classes. Provides suggestions, such as the importance of offering students creative opportunities, supplying examples, giving control to students, and encouraging expressive integrity. Includes a bibliography of resources for developing…

Laid-off music teachers should make sure their educational self-improvement is cost-effective. Some skills can be acquired without formal instruction. If graduate school is indicated, teachers should choose prestigious schools and should try to get scholarships or assistantships. Broader qualifications can also help employment potential. (CS)

Focuses on how important it is for teachers to understand music editorial practices. Explains that the knowledge can help them select appropriate performing editions of music for their classes. Provides background information on editorial practices and the philosophy and methodology behind them. Discusses the nature of primary sources. (CMK)

Presents a collection of teachers' ideas on instruction for musical improvisation. Includes suggestions for ascending grade levels, spontaneous composition, and creation of sound maps. Recommends making technique training fun and creative through improvisation. Suggests that children be taught to think in sounds and to experiment with variations.…

Focuses on the connections between music reading and text reading to explore the influences of music education on children's reading skills. Addresses topics, such as phonological and phonemic awareness, sight identification, orthographic awareness, and fluency. Discusses research that addresses the influence of music on reading. (CMK)

Describes Kodaly-based music programs. Focuses on three problems with this instruction method: (1) when one or more beliefs are focused upon to the detriment of the program as a whole; (2) the Kodaly program was created in a different culture and time; and (3) the program's emphasis on specific musical skills is limiting. (CMK)