Music is frequently used to enhance the presentation of literary selections. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide assistance to the teacher, director, or performer in selecting music to enhance the use of literature. Part one is a discussion of the history and characteristics of literary program music and the autonomy of the text. Part…

An action research project implemented musical strategies to affect and enhance student recall and memory. The target population was three suburban elementary schools near a major midwestern city: (1) a kindergarten classroom contained 32-38 students; (2) a second grade classroom contained 23 students and five Individualized Education Program…

The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term effects of a music education intervention on the receptive language skills of students in an at-risk early childhood program. The target population was nine students ages 3, 4, and 5 in an at-risk, inclusive classroom in a Chicago public school. The problem of language delay is indicated in…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of music activities on the reading achievement of first-grade children. A total of 144 students, members of six randomly chosen classrooms (two from each of three schools) in a South Carolina community, formed the sample group. Classes designated control groups received musical instruction based…

This project describes a program designed to improve the music reading abilities of second grade children. The intention is to discover the best possible method of teaching students basic rhythmic and melodic skills. When combined, these skills will not only increase students' understanding of the language of music, but will also increase…

An action research project was developed and implemented using student self monitoring of higher order thinking skills and task management to improve the music skills of a fifth grade beginning band (n=30) from a small middle school located in a rural midwest village. Evidence of the problem was documented with a performance test, a written test,…

This report describes a program to improve student achievement through the use of music strategies. The targeted population was fifth-grade students in a small Iowa community. The absence of music integration into the social studies area was observed through data that displayed the lack of motivation and in-depth learning by the students. Analysis…

Music education in today's educational system has been fighting for its existence as a curricular subject, with many school systems finding it convenient to keep the classification of music-related activities in limbo. Music educators must be prepared to defend their programs and educational objectives or face a future of extra-curricular status…

This study designed a music program for improving academic skills of first grade students after the teaching staff found the students doing average work in the classroom. The school involved in the study was located in an urban, middle class community in Northern Illinois. Results of standardized tests showed the extent of the academic problems of…

This report addresses the problem of apathy and the unwillingness of middle level students to meet basic standards, evidenced by a lack of student performance and participation and by an attitude of indifference. The targeted population for this study consisted of seventh and eighth grade general music students in an economically and culturally…