Developing musicianship is a vital component of success as a music teacher. Improving music teachers' level of musicianship does not necessarily equate with improving their level of performance ability. Music teachers can improve and refine their musicianship without becoming world-class performers. In this article, the author presents strategies…

When students first enter high school, the change can be overwhelming on many levels. All at once, or very nearly, they're dealing with an onslaught of new educational concerns, weighty academic decisions, different extracurricular options, unfamiliar teachers, and potentially bewildering social atmospheres. Meanwhile, former middle school…

Writing in a music classroom may seem counterintuitive, but most researchers consider writing to be an effective instructional strategy for teaching and reinforcing reading skills, and so administrators frequently ask music teachers to include it in their classes. In this article, the author explores ways to initiate written responses to music and…

Addresses the importance of focusing on instrumental music basics for any age level of students. Describes three warm-up exercises to use with students that emphasize three skills: (1) breathing in and out properly; (2) practice with tonguing; and (3) practice with the finger technique. (CMK)

Addresses the benefits of teaching about acoustics and vocal anatomy and physiology to secondary students. Provides a brief outline of a ten-lesson unit intended for students who have either completed or are enrolled in biology or health science courses. Includes a list of selected resources and ideas for other sources of information. (CMK)

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 to incorporate improvisation into a band program. Describes five-minute exercises used with seventh-grade band students. Offers ideas for providing performance opportunities that incorporate improvisation. Includes a list of the different levels of improvisation and a questionnaire for students about improvisation. (CMK)

Describes a strategy called phone-ominal composition for teaching students in fifth through twelve grades about jazz and musical composition. Explains that the students use their phone number to create the composition. Provides examples of this technique and guidelines. (CMK)

Focuses on the "World's Largest Concerts" listing various songs to be sung by students. Includes teaching tips in the form of quotes from music teachers on aspects of music education, such as teaching rhythm. Includes information on how to access the songs. (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)

Focuses on the importance of vocal health for students. Discusses learning about vocal health care and the techniques used to educate music students about it. Includes an annotated bibliography of resources on vocal health, a survey to administer to students, and "Jewels of Wisdom" useful to music teachers. (CMK)

Maintains that commissioning musical works is almost as old as music itself and that it is a privilege to premiere a work that has been composed specifically for you and your chorus. Describes the approaches that classroom music teachers used to commission musical works. Includes seven guidelines. (CFR)

Offers a strategy from the book "Strategies for Teaching Prekindergarten Music" to help young children meet the achievement levels called for in Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Prekindergarten Music Education Standards. Explains that in the lesson provided children will become familiar with music as a medium for changing…

Focuses on how music teachers can make choral rehearsals more interesting for students by incorporating creative lessons and activities. Explores what it means to be creative and includes examples of creative lessons that can be used in the choral rehearsal. (CMK)

Presents suggestions for new music teachers to apply in order to have successful ensemble rehearsals. States that understanding the score is very important, while planning for the rehearsals is also essential. Offers techniques to help with the rehearsals, such as keeping the pace quick and slowing down difficult passages. (CMK)