In response to a need for curricular support, the Idaho State Department of Education gathered teams of exemplary educators from throughout the state to write courses of study related to the original five subject areas within Idaho's Achievement Standards. In turn, all of the state's school districts received hard copies as well as online access…

An examination of the persuasive qualities of Joan Baez's songs of social dissent. (CH)

Discusses ways to let music add a new dimension to a science lesson on dinosaurs. (GB)

Music teachers can make learning about music more rewarding and effective by improving the setting for conceptual development. The choral laboratory is one important step in music education and a positive method for learning music concepts. (RK)

Extensive bibliography included. (WB)

Eleven infants with Down's syndrome and 10 of 11 nonhandicapped infants operated an automatic device which enabled them to choose to listen to nursery rhymes sung or played on musical instruments. Both groups preferred the singing, and the Down's Syndrome infants had much longer response durations for the more complex auditory stimuli. (Author/DB)

Author discusses the importance of vocalization in the development of basic musicianship. He cites studies demonstrating that vocal teaching strategies, such as singing tonal patterns, aids music reading, memory, and instrumental performance. (SJL)

Five goals are suggested for making a choral festival benefit participants musically: (1) meet the specific musical needs of the students; (2) expose students to a guest conductor; (3) acquaint students with a challenging repertory; (4) develop performance techniques; and (5) introduce teacher-conductors to rehearsal techniques. (Author/SJL)

Suggests a range of activities for prekindergarten and kindergarten children and teachers. (RH)

Finger-snapping, toe-tapping music is a prelude to penmanship practice. (Editor)

Examines the relative effects of the five practice conditions of modeling, singing, silent analysis, free practice, and control on instrumentalists' performance. Finds significant differences in subjects' performance of correct rhythms, phrasing or dynamics, and tempo, and insignificant differences among performances of correct notes and…

Argues that many existing methods for teaching English diction for choral performance are ineffective. Describes a study of the Articulatory Diction Development Method (ADDM), focusing on kinesthetic awareness and speech articulator control. Concludes through research involving three high school choirs that the ADDM can improve choral tone and…

At her principal's request, a sixth grade teacher/composer formed a high-quality chorus of fifth and sixth graders. The chorus was a great success despite lack of strong administrative support. Unfortunately, the chorus disbanded after the author's resignation, resulting from lack of leadership, interest, and attendance. Meanwhile, the central…

Describes techniques for developing strong male voices in vocal music groups. Suggests teaching males to use falsetto as a way to develop voice intensity. Recommends vocal and physical exercises to enhance vibrancy and strength. (CFR)