Songwriting is a form of composition that relates directly to adolescents' personal experience of music. This article provides a rationale for establishing courses in songwriting at the middle school and high school levels. Other topics in the article include curriculum development, instructional procedures, and assessment. The article ends with…

Asserts that the challenge facing music educators today is to provide students with enriching music instruction within a changing educational environment. Describes a four-phase program adopted by a small rural Texas school district that helped improve music education within a limited budget. (CFR)

Describes the project called "U2U," a collaboration among the University of Minnesota School of Music, The University of Minnesota dance department, and two urban public school districts in Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minnesota). Presents strategies for collaboratively developing an interdisciplinary curriculum around William Walton's "Facade." Includes…

Asserts that music can maintain its own integrity as a discipline and still be part of a holistic educational experience for children. Describes how performance "showcases" or interdisciplinary student group presentations highlight student learning and enhance motivation. Discusses positive results and barriers to full implementation of…

Argues that history must be included in the study of music to understand the context of the composer's era. Maintains that historical performance information, music technology, the place of music in society, music literature, and performing practices also should be included. Provides four charts of recommended resources. (CFR)

Asserts that integrating music with core curriculum subjects can improve student achievement in production, perception, and reflection in general music classes. Describes the Arts PROPEL approach, based on the philosophy that students learn best when they are active constructors of their own knowledge. (CFR)

Asserts that music educators have special challenges and opportunities when considering an integrated or interdisciplinary curriculum. Discusses examples of interdisciplinary teams comprised of fine arts teachers working with teachers of social studies, literature, and other subjects. Includes illustrations of a thematic curriculum web and…

Asserts that elementary music education has been influenced by three approaches to learning: (1) the conceptual approach; (2) the child development approach; and (3) the activities approach. Presents six steps to designing an interdisciplinary project in music education. (CFR)

Contends that a number of music educators believe that music should be taught in the same rigorous, sequential, and comprehensive way that other subjects are taught. Asserts that critical thinking skills and interpretation are essential factors in this process. Recommends cooperative learning and portfolios as appropriate instructional strategies.…

Contends that the importance of incorporating music and arts education into the general curriculum has always been emphasized, but the subjects are generally taught separately. Asserts that interdisciplinary efforts have been strengthened during the past decade and bring new opportunities to include music in the general curriculum. (CFR)