Describes study of effects of learning procedures and performance tempo on ability of 64 middle school students to perform previously learned rhythmic passages. Reviews the four learning procedures used for each rhythmic passage. Finds no evidence attributed to learning procedure but significant adverse differences if the tempo was changed from…

Reports on a study of the use of musical scores and rating scales by 80 pianists who listened to 21 trials of solo piano music. Found that the use of musical scores and rating scales did not improve interrater reliability. Discovered that the subjects were less consistent when evaluating slow musical pieces than faster pieces. (CFR)

Reports on study of 80 elementary students in grades 3-6 to determine whether tempo perception and performance abilities increased with grade level and musical training. Finds that student performance and perceptions did increase with grade level and training. Concludes that modern technology has made research into tempo perception more precise…

Reports on a study of student preference for musical instruments over 3 decades in 600 elementary, secondary, and colleges. Finds that gender-based segregation has increased at the high school and college level, but findings at the elementary level are inconclusive. (CFR)

Reports on a study of attention span and persevering behaviors of preschool children. Finds the Suzuki Method of violin instruction is associated with longer attention spans and more persevering behaviors than creative movement instruction or other preschool programs. Concludes that teachers prefer the Suzuki Method's approach to other forms of…

Reports on a study on the selection of musical instruments by 990 band students in grades 6-9 (Dade County, Florida). Factors studied included prior instrumental music experience, family participation in the choice, and gender. Reports strong gender/instrument associations that seemed to override students' professed reasons for choosing…

Reports on a study of verbal behaviors of 25 piano teachers in private lessons. Finds significant differences resulting from student age in presentation of musical information, teacher talk, teacher coaching, and student participation. Also finds that student perceived as "average" received significantly more directive comments. (CFR)

Presents results of a study of the relationship between the diagnostic skills of string music teachers and the performance competencies of their students. Reports no significant relationship between teacher skills and student competencies. Presents teacher ratings of the influence of 22 factors on students' musical achievement. (SG)

Reports on a study of an improvisation curriculum used with 66 fifth-grade music students. Finds that students who received instruction emphasizing improvisation performed at significantly higher achievement levels than students who did not receive such instruction. (CFR)

Discusses a study of the ability of 11 variables to predict performance, achievement, teacher evaluation, and retention of fifth grade beginning instrumentalists. Reports that scholastic ability and academic achievement tests were leading predictors of performance achievement. Concludes that socioeconomic status and self-concept played prominent…

Analyzes the contents of doctoral research between 1936 and 1992 related to stringed instrument education. Examines "Dissertation Abstracts International" for year of completion, type of degree, instrument, and main topic. The most researched instrument was the violin and main topics included techniques and skills, performance practice, and…

Reports on a content analysis of all pictures of music-related figures appearing in grades six, seven, and eight music textbooks published in 1988. Finds females underrepresented and stereotypes common. Calls for more research on equity in curriculum materials and gender-related issues in music education. (CFR)