The integration of music and science is embodied in the music of the spheres, the ancient concept that the universe is ordered in a manner consistent with principles of musical harmony. This idea boasts a long history, from the teachings of Pythagoras (ca. 600 BC) through Isaac Newton in the eighteenth century, and makes a fascinating…

Conventional music learning in schools could benefit from the study of the music from films, television, and video games. This article offers practical applications for including film music as an outlet for analysis, an interdisciplinary compositional art form, a viable teaching tool, and an authentic performance/production experience. Music…

International-mindedness is defined in many different ways in education discourse. Some of the definitions include the ability to be open-minded and respectful of cultures and peoples or having an awareness of the interconnectedness of people not only intellectually but also with growing empathy. Do music educators have any role in helping…

Music educators are part of a team charged with nurturing the development of the whole child. This includes instilling in students cognitive keys to essential life values that will be drawn on through adulthood. To help music educators attain this goal, this article encourages the inclusion of contexualized music units--immersive studies of…

Hushed melodies have been known to lull infants to sleep; preschoolers can memorize the alphabet through song; marching bands arouse patriotism; and choirs inspire spiritual renewal. Music educators are well attuned to the power of music to alter mood, provide motivation, and link learning. Yet, music often has been viewed in educational settings…

When selecting literature to study and perform in band, opportunities for enhancing students' understanding of the music may inadvertantly be missed. One such opportunity involves collaboration with other disciplines. The other disciplines inform the study of the music and, in turn, the association with music enhances study of the other…

Describes how arts and humanities programs have been integrated into related or allied arts curricula in elementary and secondary schools. Ways to approach the learning and teaching of related arts are discussed. These include analogous concepts, common themes, historical eras, and art works that are combinations of different art forms. (AM)

One way of seeing music education is to think of it as the study of music as a series of sounds and silences. This model has dominated North American conservatories and many universities (2) and found its way into classroom practice. Another way of seeing music education is to define it as cultural studies--that is, a subject concerned with…

A continuing debate in the field of education asks whether music should be taught as a separate discipline, having value in and of itself, or in conjunction with other subjects, valued only to the extent that it complements the learning of other material. Many contend that music is a frill and that its inclusion in a high school curriculum can be…

Suggests that music instruction include teaching ethics and values. Argues that performing ensembles are a powerful tool for imparting values such as integrity, self-esteem, cooperation, and tolerance. Includes charts for evaluating student behavior without including ethics and values as part of an academic grade. (DK)

Discusses the music educator's role in working with mainstreamed, handicapped students in the schools. The author emphasizes the need to clarify educational goals, use interdisciplinary teams, develop criteria for general music achievement, and modify teaching strategies. (AM)

Discusses negative experiences which can inhibit a student from wanting to sing and describes methods that a secondary teacher can use to enhance student self-esteem while increasing their music appreciation. (AM)

There is a void in instructional materials which extends basic patterns in jazz into individualized or creative channels. This article investigates the parallels between improvised music and normal speech and explores the possibility of applying the principles of linguistic methodology to the teaching of jazz improvisation. (Author/KC)

Discusses the integration of aural, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities into teaching to help at-risk students retain lessons. Suggests combining the "Learning to Read through the Arts" approach with sequential arts instruction. Recommends musical pieces to be used while students listen, discuss, and record their analysis of the…

Evaluates the use of the multiple intelligences (MI) theory explaining that teachers must critically reflect about the means for introducing MI into the music classroom and consider the integrity of music learning above all. Investigates various types of MI activities that teachers traditionally integrate into their classrooms. (CMK)