Using two sequential key press sequences, we tested the extent to which subjects' performance on a digital piano keyboard changed between the end of training and retest on subsequent days. We found consistent, significant improvements attributable to sleep-based consolidation effects, indicating that learning continued after the cessation of…

Many orchestra teachers have experienced feelings of panic when they first read the National Standards and realize that the coalition standard is for performance ensembles as well as general music classes. Teachers who are responsible for starting beginners or who teach intermediate players may wonder about the feasibility of teaching composition…

Using identified factors that affect students' musical outcomes, this research study examined how instrumental music students attending "good" rural Appalachian high schools compared to other instrumental students. "Good" refers to those 12 Appalachian rural school districts identified as the best out of 46 rural county school…

Discusses why students who play musical instruments should participate in a chamber music ensemble. Provides rationale for using small ensembles in the high school band curriculum. Focuses on the topic of scheduling, illustrating how to insert small ensembles into the lesson schedule, and how to set up a new schedule. (CMK)

Contends that teaching contemporary music pieces that are largely improvised provides an ideal learning opportunity for students. Focuses on the piece "Improvisations I," stating that the version presented is intended for college students. Describes the performance of each section of the piece and provides suggestions for rehearsal. (CMK)

Focuses on ways to develop student creative thinking, improvisation, and composition skills in instrumental classes. Provides suggestions, such as the importance of offering students creative opportunities, supplying examples, giving control to students, and encouraging expressive integrity. Includes a bibliography of resources for developing…

Offers performance technique tips for the recorder, some instructional strategies for generating student interest, and guidelines for the maintenance of recorders. Provides a list of publications, websites, and organizations in order to assist teachers in locating more information about how the recorder can become part of music education programs.…

Presents an activity combining music and art in which students create a picture expressing a particular style of music. Develops skills in painting and drawing from observation. The paintings include a realistic drawing of one or more instruments and convey the feelings of the instrument's musical style. (CMK)

Provides suggestions for teachers new to Edwin Gordon's music learning theory, describing an incremental approach to audiation-based instrumental music instruction. Discusses teaching methods to introduce audiation, improving students' audiation skills, using tonal patterns to improve intonation, and Gordon's rhythm syllable system. Includes a…

Focuses on the research done on children learning the tabla, a northern India drum, and the role of the bols system, or mnemonics, that provides a means for memorizing musical material, generating improvisation, and developing rhythmic skills. Discusses the structure of the tabla lessons and the type of materials taught. (CMK)

A course in introduction to music emphasizing modes and forms is presented. A laboratory approach in which pupils are to develop skill in playing keyboard instruments, sing, listen to, read and compose music with emphasis on identification of elementary concepts of mode and form is used. Course objectives include: (1) The student will select the…

Discusses the process of introducing the trombone to beginning students and addresses the issue of warming-up. Provides resources for beginning trombone methods, band methods, and daily warm-up studies. Includes resources for scale studies and etudes for beginning to intermediate trombone players. (CMK)

Discusses the reasons to teach stringed instruments: (1) strings can be adapted to the size of the child; (2) home performance material resource availability; (3) stringed music skills contribute to developing basic skills; and (4) the importance of interaction in music. (CMK)

Stresses the importance for wind instrument players to have the skill called tonguing that is the ability to clearly articulate notes. Provides tips and guidelines for beginning and intermediate wind players to develop different types of tonguing and a learning sequence that offers students an introduction to multiple tonguing. (CMK)

Explores the factors that may influence the decisions made by students aged 9-15 years old as they chose musical sounds and constructed compositions. Indicates that age, formal music training, and aesthetic response to musical sounds are the primary factors affecting specific choices made in the compositional process. (CMK)