This article suggests pathways for supporting habits of creativity and the development of creative mindsets in performance-ensemble learning spaces. The Wallas model of creative thought is used to frame the concept of creative musical mindsets. The author reflects on the assumptions and principles outlined in the stages of this influential model…

The "Three Artistic Processes" provide a powerful model for organizing standards-based music teaching and assessment as well as a vision of the musically educated student. They also clarify how student-centered music education helps children master 21st-century skills necessary for future success. This article outlines why and how music teachers…

Practically all teenagers find pleasure in music, yet the majority are not involved in traditional school music ensembles. College requirements, the quest for high grade point averages, scheduling conflicts, uncooperative counselors, block schedules, students with too many competing interests, or the need to work may limit participation in music…

Describes the development and implementation of the American/Icelandic Music Curriculum Project. The project's goal was to improve elementary and secondary music literacy through sequential music activities and to create guidelines to assist educators in preparing music curricula. A four-stage model for music curriculum design is discussed. (AM)

Describes the implementing of a PPBS model at the Shoreline School District near Seattle, Washington. (MB)

A discussion of Planning Programming Budgeting Systems (PPBS). (MB)

Music educators elected to offices in the state organization in charge of the West Virginia student chapters of the Music Educators National Conference describe their organization's objectives and strategies. (RM)

Describes an extended workshop model composed of a series of sessions rather than the usual one or two. This model was the basis for the Jazz Improvisation Workshop given last year at the Concord Middle School in Concord, Massachusetts. (Author/RK)

Creativity is largely an outgrowth of attitude rather than an activity, a set of predispositions rather than a production line. Author traces the concept of creative development and the role music plays in illustrating the creative process. (Author/RK)

The author shows how comprehensive musicianship can be taught within school band performance through preparation of a lesson plan and study guide for each selected musical composition. The lesson, or Unit Study Composition, includes historical and analytical notes, a glossary, concepts, objectives, and assignments. The lesson development process…

This article, the last in a series described in the MEJ Mentoring Series sidebar, highlights what researchers have uncovered about induction programs for beginning music teachers. It provides suggestions for mentors who are assisting beginning music teachers in their decisions about professional development and in handling some of the challenges…