Since early times, human beings have searched for spiritual experiences that provide connections to their hearts and souls. People sometimes find these connections through experiencing music--perhaps the last remaining ubiquitous spiritual experience in Western culture. And yet, material values rule our world, even in music education. Is music in…

This article describes a traditional Eskimo game in which complex patterns are created by slipping a circle of string over the fingers, often in accompaniment to songs and chants based on Eskimo myths. Several of the string patterns and songs, with Eskimo and English lyrics, are included. (SJL)

The vague and virtually meaningless term "tone deaf" should be avoided because it encourages students to be incorrectly labeled as hopeless. If a student is oblivious to blatantly faulty intonation, and if his or her playing fails to improve after diligent practicing, a teacher should consider the possibility of diplacusis. (RM)

The show choir programs in American colleges and universities cannot be condoned under the guise of fine arts education. The reasons given for the continuation of these choir programs are critiqued. (RM)

Research shows that elderly persons have innate capacities for musical development and that those capacities are maintained with age. Successful, quality musical experiences can be created to meet the broad interests of the elderly. (RM)