The ability to recognize and distinguish among varying musical styles is essential to developing aural skills and musicianship. Yet, this task can be difficult for music learners, particularly nonexperts. To address this challenge and guide music education practice, this study drew on cognitive psychological principles to investigate the effect of…

The purpose of the study is to teach urban young children music concepts and English by composing creative music and songs with contrast elements. The subjects were seven urban young children aged from three to four in a Taiwan kindergarten. The duration was twenty-four weeks, with two sessions per week. The teaching contents included Hello Song,…

Asserting that children are particularly open to novelty in music, the author analyzes four examples of twentieth-century avante-garde music and suggests how they can be presented in a children's music class. (SJL)

Presents an analysis of barbershop singing as a method of stimulating students to learn about music and to enjoy singing. It suggests a list of songs prepared by the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. (Author/RK)

This article is taken from doctoral research which sought to discover the nature of teachers' pedagogy in the primary school classroom by looking at their understanding of the teaching of composing, their approach to lesson design and organisation, and the way these are reflected in their practice. Specific examples of six case studies involving…

Educators need to develop teaching strategies that allow children to explore creative musical processes that will nurture musical skills, self-awareness, and imagination. A sequence of five lessons encompassing language arts and music demonstrates how students can develop creativity by writing haiku and then composing music to accompany the poems.…

Activities are suggested to teach the basic concepts of twelve tone serial technique. Students need no prior background in contemporary music. At least two sets of resonator bars are necessary. (This article is part of a theme issue on aspects of contemporary music.) (Author/SJL)

Describes activities and exercises that develop children's music appreciation and general listening skills, preparing them for composing original lyrics and music. (RL)

This study tested the following hypothesis: that the study of original music composition confers benefits on the college music student which he would not ordinarily receive from the undergraduate music program, and that such study would therefore be a valuable addition to a music curriculum. Seven participants at a 3-week workshop in composition…

A year-long music instruction unit introduces students to information about the lives of nine great composers of the classics and to their works. Each month a different composer is featured. No special training for teachers is necessary. (PP)

To enhance school children's understanding of and appreciation for the performing arts, an ESEA Title III project presented live performances by professional brass, woodwind, and string ensembles to children of the 275 public and parochial elementary schools of Bergen County, New Jersey. As part of the program, children read a book especially…

The College Entrance Examination Board has prepared this publication to help secondary school teachers develop Advanced Placement (AP) courses in music. The discussion of strategy recommendations, reading materials, and record collections should be adapted to suit local preferences and individual skills. An opening section of general remarks…

Reiterates the common wisdom of teaching the musical sounds before the corresponding signs in early music education. Stresses the phenomenological importance of teaching the relationships among the sounds as part of a tonal unit. Advocates beginning music education with the students' specific musical culture. (MJP)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)