Composition with students on the elementary level sparks imagination and creativity while engaging students in an experience that can demonstrate personal musical growth. Traditionally, music educators have not been taught how to compose music, let alone lead their students in composing experiences. As music educators take the beginning steps of…

Chamber music provides myriad opportunities to develop students' ability to think like professional musicians while engaged in the authentic task of working closely with and learning from peers. However, the potential for musical growth inherent in chamber music participation is often unrealized due to either a lack of teacher guidance and support…

Offers an interview with Catherine Comet, music director of the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Symphony. Reviews her childhood and early study in France and her experiences at the Julliard School of Music and on the contest circuit. Explains how she became a professional conductor. Discusses Comet's view of the importance that classical music can have…

The precedents set by contemporary women conductors, the models they represent, and the contributions they have made to music constitute significant reasons for them to remain the focus of attention that will confirm their place in musical history. (RM)

Discusses the student teaching experience for future music teachers. Suggests that the quality of the experience is influenced by the school site, the cooperating teacher, the process found at different points of the school year, and the relationship formed between the student and the cooperating teacher. Suggests a partnership between public…

Discusses how young male voices change due to development during puberty, the make-up of their voices, and the effect male peers have on their decision to become a choir member. Explains how male adolescents can be encouraged to join the choir and how teachers can strengthen their male students' voices. (CMK)

Contends that by providing adolescent males with opportunities to interact with other males who sing will help them perceive singing as a male activity. Describes a program that enables boys to interact with other male singers called "A Workshop for Boy Singers." (CMK)

Teaching music is hard work. Learning what it really takes to teach music is often even harder. New music educators need and deserve mentors' support. Those of mentors who care about their profession and the young professionals who join their ranks should continue to look for effective approaches to help sustain and nurture these new careers.…

Considers the role of the cooperating teacher in the student teaching experience. Examines the preliminary interview, lesson planning, assimilation, teaching as a team, evaluation, and suggesting improvements. Discusses the importance of self-evaluation and cooperation within the triad of student teacher, college supervisor, and cooperating…

Identifies charisma and inspirational leadership as the most important characteristics of transformational leaders. Discusses how middle and secondary school music conductors can use the transformational leadership model. Summarizes key components of this model including positive modeling, sharing vision, and empowering others. Provides relevant…