This study hypothesized band performance as a three-level hierarchical judgment with a basic level defined by specific terms, an intermediate level comprising a small number of interrelated factors, and a top level characterized by one overarching higher order. Results clearly confirmed three primary factors but suggested further study. (MJP)

Band, orchestra, and choir festival evaluations are a regular part of many secondary school music programs, and most such festivals engage adjudicators who rate each group's performance. Because music ensemble performance is complex and multi-dimensional, it does not lend itself readily to precise measurement; generally, musical performances are…

Reports on a study of children's preferences between slow and fast tempo classical music excerpts. Finds that students preferred music with a slow tempo. Concludes that repetition had a positive effect on children's preferences. (CFR)

This practicum report addresses the need to supply Head Start teachers with: (1) specific preschool music objectives; (2) a sequential preschool developmental program in music to match the child's cognitive level; (3) how to choose instructional material to encourage specific basic school readiness skills; and (4) workshops to accomplish these…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different practice conditions upon technical accuracy and musicality of student instrumental performance. High school instrumental students attending summer music camps at the Florida State University were randomly assigned to one of three different practice groups: (a) teacher-designed…

Elementary teachers participating in the study thought of music listening as a separate activity and not as one that permeated all music instruction. Assigned listening was utilized mostly in singing, in the playing of instruments, and in traditional music appreciation lessons where students were asked to listen to a recording. (Author/RM)

Maintains that the founding of the School of Music at the University of Illinois in 1892 was the result of a decade of effort by teachers, students, and administrators. Describes the history of music education at the University from the 1870s until the founding of the music school. Discusses the curriculum and music activities during the founding…

Bases a music participation theory on findings in music education, ethnomusicology, and sociology of leisure. Posits six types of music participants: professionals, apprentices, amateurs, hobbyists, recreationists, and dabblers. Distinguishes each type by theoretical variations in cost-benefit relationships as perceived by participants. Discusses…

Recommends commissioning new works as a challenging and motivating learning experience for high school and college bands. Includes several guidelines for negotiating costs and performance rights with the composer, as well as other technical details. Discusses specific problems arising from this arrangement and possible solutions. (MJP)

This study investigated the influence of instrumental music instruction on the academic achievement of fifth grade students. The sample consisted of 270 fifth grade students (135 boys and 135 girls) located in a southwestern Kansas school district in a city of approximately 20,000 people. The independent variables considered were: instrumental…

This study explored patterns of pastime activities that stand as alternatives to television viewing among middle school children. Findings are compared with those of Robinson's study (1981) for alternative media, video games, and sleeping variables, as well as dichotomous measures for group membership, playing a musical instrument, and hobbies.…

Reports on a study that investigated the effectiveness and efficiency of computer classroom drill for learning bass clef notes. Compared posttest results among students with differing cognitive styles. Concludes that computer assisted instruction is an effective way to teach music skills, allowing teachers to focus on teaching aesthetic aspects of…

Reports on a study of inexperienced and experienced music teachers to determine the dominant perceptual dimensions used to classify classical musical excerpts. Finds that listeners generate an internal hierarchy that reflects their individual background and knowledge. Concludes that instructional methods are as important as the music selected for…

Provides a systematic analysis of the music program of a private elementary school in Brazil to demonstrate the comprehensiveness of the systematic approach as applied to educational organizations. Discusses implications for both the planning of the structure of music education and for the teacher's individual planning. (CFR)

Reports on a study of music listening preferences among undergraduate college music majors, high school musicians in performance groups, and sixth-grade students in eight U.S. sites. Finds instrumental biases among high school and college musicians' preferences for relatively unfamiliar classical music. (CFR)