A portfolio can document student skills, abilities, growth, achievement, and attitudes. It can also reflect students' learning processes and subsequently guide new teaching strategies. Portfolio proponents have used these arguments to justify the time and organization needed to successfully implement them in their classrooms and in their school…

By using a Smart Board or other "smart" technologies, it has become possible to teach interactively with students. One of the hardest concepts for middle schoolers to understand is key signatures. The Smart Board has changed the way the author reinforces key signatures with all her students, beginners to eighth graders. In this article, the author…

Offers an overview of the use of computers and electronic keyboards or synthesizers in school-based music instruction. Contends that teachers must keep abreast of new developments by attending conventions, reading trade journals, and visiting local music stores. (JDH)

States that teachers' fear of using computers and electronic technology in music education may prevent students from reaching their full potential. Includes suggestions for diagnosis and cure of "technophobia." Suggests that using electronic media to teach music will strengthen teaching and stimulate students' love of music. (LS)

Contends that keyboard synthesizers can be used effectively in the music education classroom because they are instruments more than they are technological tools. Describes an elementary music program that uses synthesizers throughout the K-6 curriculum. Includes diagrams of classrooms arranged to use computerized keyboards incorporated with other…

Argues that music educators must begin to use computers in classroom management and instruction. Discusses the results of the Michigan Computer Music Survey that indicated that 50% of band and orchestra instructors were using computers in their work. Provides suggestions for purchasing and using computers in music education. (CFR)

Outlines basic steps for using computer technology to make band concert recordings. Current technology allows for the production of professional sounding concert recordings at a fraction of their previous cost. Discusses various equipment options, the production process, mixing and editing, and copyright protection. (MJP)

Asserts that the use of electronic keyboards enables music educators to incorporate technological advances into instruction and take advantage of the popularity of electronic and computerized keyboards. Discusses advantages of electronic keyboard instruction related to student motivation and behavior. Describes methods of incorporating…

Maintains that the Internet offers services and opportunities for music teachers and students. Provides an overview of topics such as electronic mail, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Gopher, and the World Wide Web (WWW). Includes two lists of music resources available on the Internet. (CFR)

Argues that, if music is to remain a feasible part of the school curriculum, it must combine technology with traditional methods and materials. Contends that computer-assisted keyboard systems encourage cooperative learning, enhance student motivation, and provide opportunities for students to succeed at their ability level. Describes two middle…

Maintains that multimedia technology can bridge the gap between visual learners and the aural experience of music. Discusses the efficacy of low-tech approaches such as listening maps where icons in the score denote musical changes and high-tech approaches including multimedia programs. Includes a five-item annotated bibliography. (MJP)

Describes a junior high school course in musical composition using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology. Discusses course objectives and three composition projects. Includes a list of definitions and asserts that MIDI technology offers students and teachers a powerful method to study how music works. (CFR)

Defines guided composition as composing music with as many prescribed parameters as a young composer needs. Although the melody should never be proscribed, instructional "controls" can be built into the rhythm, length (and repeats), scale, and clef. Includes excerpts from three K-4 compositions using this technique. (MJP)

Maintains that to prepare students for the next century, music teachers must prepare them to be technologically literate in music. Describes the technology-based music education program at Ortega Elementary School in Austin, Texas. (CFR)