In this article, the author contends that in order to fulfill music education's purpose of developing a child's capacity to make and experience music, attention must be paid to developing listening in performance ensemble classes. Music educators cannot assume that being involved in the refinement and performance of music contributes to becoming a…

Presents a class activity in which student describe and classify music as an introduction to writing classification essays. (SR)

Music teachers who strive to provide a broad range of experiences for their students are usually careful to include music listening among them. Although students have many opportunities to hear music in their everyday lives, most teachers agree that music listening involves skills that must be taught to children. Some might even argue that…

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

Five course titles are included in this music guide for use in grades 7-9: General Music 1, an introduction to music and musical instruments; General Music 2, a survey of types of music; History of Popular Music; Music--Guitar; and Basic Keyboard. The major objective of each course is predicated on student and teacher observation of the students'…

Explains what music teachers can do in the classroom to promote and develop elementary school students' attention to music learning, listening, and comprehension. States the manner of presentation is critically important. Includes guidelines for classroom teaching and describes various class activities. (NL)

Describes activities in a secondary music class in which students communicate with talking drums. Maintains that the class project was developed during a teaching unit on the musical practices of the Ashanti ethnic group in Ghana. Includes instructions for making talking drums and four examples of orchestrating name rhythms for drums. (CFR)

Offers ideas on how to develop a course on popular music. Notes the importance of obtaining prior administrative support. Identifies materials, techniques, books, films, and community resources. Suggests several classroom projects, incorporating popular music history and music activities. Lists books, periodicals, and videotaped materials for…

Encourages incorporating music activities into early childhood education. The many benefits of early exposure to music include increased physical coordination and motor skills, advances in listening, vocabulary building, and aesthetic enjoyment. Includes a list of selected resources. (MJP)

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)

Profiles four middle school teachers maintaining early chamber music programs. The teachers advise varying degrees of musical competency before students begin the program, but all of them caution against starting too soon. They also stress the importance of purchasing early music scores and establishing rehearsal times. (MJP)