This article reviews and analyzes selected past and current research approaches in the study of music teacher effectiveness. Early "teacher characteristic studies" are discussed along with the role of these first-generation studies in attempting to identify personal qualities and characteristics of apparently effective or ineffective teachers.…

What happens between the first year and the thirty-fifth year of a music teacher's career? Six music educators met in private and group sessions to discuss issues related to this question. (AM)

Points out the value of a favorable music curriculum for children two to eight years of age, advocating an emphasis on and providing guidelines for programs in vocal development, instrumental skills, and music appreciation in early childhood curricula. (RH)

Examines the relationship between home musical environment and musical attributes among 116 second-grade primarily Mexican-American children. Multiple regression analyses revealed no significant relationship between home environment and tonal or rhythmic perception. (Author/JDH)

The relationship between musical aptitude and musical environment in sixth-grade students is studied. Forty-one students from a suburban middle school were administered a 21-item Music Environment questionnaire which determined whether they or their family played a musical instrument, attended symphony, country-western, and/or rock concerts, had…

Does the music student teaching experience affect student teachers' classroom management beliefs and skills, and as a result of student teaching, do the classroom management beliefs and skills of music student teachers and their cooperating teachers become more congruent? Research indicates that student teaching does not affect student teacher…

This study examined the predictive validity of previous music abilities and experiences of skill in music error detection among undergraduate instrumental music education majors. Results indicated no statistically significant relationships which suggest that the ability to detect music errors may exist independently of other music abilities.…

Self-esteem is often cited as an important personal competency for teachers. However, most self-esteem research, particularly within teacher education and music teacher education, is framed exclusively within a European-American context. Since individuals from different cultures may tend to think about themselves in diverse ways, and given the…

Studying ethnic music promotes a deeper understanding and acceptance of other peoples and provides an opportunity to study musical concepts. How to choose music materials to enhance social studies is discussed. A brief annotated bibliography is included. (RM)

Because music teachers encounter so many behavior problems, it is extremely important that they develop successful skills in the prevention, reduction, and disposition of these problems before confronting them in a real classroom. Describes a method for helping prospective music teachers gain skills in behavior management. (Author/RK)

This article reviews common music education admission requirements and screening tests. The author maintains that if teacher educators are clear about the characteristics and competencies potential teachers should possess, equitable and valid means of assessing teacher candidates can be developed. (JDH)

Music education for preschool children holds much growth potential for music educators. Parents should be encouraged to sing lullabies to their babies and to provide a home atmosphere rich with music. Music educators should serve as guides to parents in an effort to influence positively the musical development of children. (RM)

Six attributes of the successful music teacher are identified on the basis of research and personal experience. These are enthusiasm; warmth and personal interest; a rehearsal technique combining clarity, brevity, fast pace, and variety; a balance of praise and meaningful criticism; a discipline technique focusing on communication; and the desire…

Techniques that can be used in a music methods class to help future music teachers successfully relate theory to practice are discussed. These include the if-then technique, role playing, and the four-step model. (RM)

The idea of certifying teachers without methods courses and student teaching is being proposed in some states. Music educators must initiate reform in the training of music teachers before those outside the field do it. Ways that individual music teacher educators can improve the training of music education majors are discussed. (RM)