Discusses the importance of music for brain development, pleasure, retention and motivation, and problem solving and critical thinking. Describes methods for including music in education that are related to music acquisition. Suggests classroom music activities and notes the importance of making instruments available, displaying written music, and…

Presenting music and notation to elementary school children exposes them to musical concepts and inspires them to take an interest in music throughout their lives. Nine lessons demonstrate how to introduce rhythmic notation to elementary-age children while utilizing percussion instruments such as timpani drums, tambourines, and rhythm sticks. (TJQ)

Frank Leto, a professional musician and a Montessori teacher, discusses his professional music career, family, the arts in Montessori education, the lifestyle of a professional musician, writing children's songs, and percussion instruments. Provides advice for teachers of music. (SD)

Describes studying the steel drum, an import from Trinidad, as an instrument of intellectual growth. Describes how developing a steel drum band provided Montessori middle school students the opportunity to experience some important feelings necessary to emotional growth during this difficult age: competence, usefulness, independence, and…

Describes a Montessori music program consisting of vocal music education, instrumental education, and a classical musical appreciation at the Montessori Elementary School of San Leandro, California. Describes educational opportunities provided by the in-house music room and through field trips. Argues that a music program is achievable in any…

Argues that music is a universal language and is important to integrate in the Montessori classroom through teacher education, child-directed activities, and learning individual tones, followed by recognition of patterns and musical sentences. Provides a historical timeline and analysis of musical development. Discusses merits of a music…