Classroom and arts educators frequently collaborate in the pursuit of common educational goals. Examples of sophisticated interdisciplinary teaching can be found in nearly every classroom, as when teachers use music to provide context for social movements, dancers to demonstrate various types of movement, or paintings to illustrate proportion.…

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…

The National Standards for Arts Education encourages teachers to help students make connections between music and other disciplines. Many state curriculum guides likewise encourage educators to integrate curricula and find common ground between different subjects. Music--particularly vocal music--offers ample opportunities to find relationships…

Discusses the National Endowment for the Arts' program, Arts in Education. Explains that the most popular program is artist residencies in which an artist works directly with teachers and classes. Suggests that enthusiasm and planning are the most important elements of success with the program. Includes information on the application process,…

Focuses on approaching music education from the perspective of an interdisciplinary curriculum. Provides a theoretical base for the interdisciplinary curriculum and reviews various efforts of researchers to evaluate the use of interdisciplinary curricula. States that there is a lack of empirical evidence for using the integrated approach in music.…

Addresses the importance of preserving the integrity of music education when it is part of an interdisciplinary curriculum. Discusses how to connect different disciplines in the curriculum, while still preserving the content of music education. Presents three descriptions of how this can be achieved. (CMK)

Focuses on the issue of interdisciplinary curriculum, discussing the differences between integrated and interdisciplinary, essential terminology, disciplines of knowledge, levels of curriculum integration, and benefits of interdisciplinary curriculum. Introduces this special issue of "Music Educators Journal." (CMK)

Discusses the reasons why the use of integrated curriculum has returned. Examines three ways for integrating the curriculum: (1) connection; (2) correlation; and (3) integration. Addresses how to create a thematic unit where the teacher selects a theme, determines the big questions and discipline-specific questions, and chooses the methods of…

Focuses on the three areas of concern related to integrated instruction: (1) theoretical concerns; (2) curricular concerns; and (3) instructional concerns. Believes that another concern that should be taken into account, when using integrated instruction, is the preservation of quality of each individual discipline. (CMK)

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…

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)

A comprehensive arts in education program is made up of four segments: specialized arts instruction, arts in general education, community arts resources, and arts for special populations. Each of these segments is discussed. A selective bibliography to help fine arts educators involved in curriculum development is provided. (RM)

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…

Maintains that the whole-language approach to reading and writing presents another challenge to music teachers who are asked to create complementary instruction as part of an integrated curriculum. Discusses three commonly agreed-on characteristics and areas of disagreement among those who advocate the whole-language approach. (CFR)

Contends that children in the early childhood years do not compartmentalize knowledge and that the typical school curriculum presents artificial barriers to learning. Discusses the link between music and language acquisition and the significance of the home environment on music skill development. (CFR)