In traditional reading and CARE lessons (a curriculum used to help students learn to read and identify sounds), music is not played to enhance the learning environment. However, some studies have shown that when music is played during learning experiences there is more retention of the material. This research project compared the traditional…

Southern Appalachia has a rich heritage of folk, country, bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music, and many schools and colleges in the region offer music lessons in these genres. Despite Berea College's stated goals of serving the needs of Appalachian students and celebrating Appalachian culture, its music department has focused on the classical…

What music research can tell teachers about strategies to use to help students learn to like classical music is discussed. For example, research has shown that music teacher's verbal approval significantly increases students' listening to classical music. Also, choices of musical examples is critical. (RM)

Discusses the change of library music collections from long-playing (LP) recordings to compact discs (CD). Highlights include the drawbacks of LPs, disc prices and players, sound quality, logistics, selection of recordings, and a renewed commitment to sound recording facilities and collections. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

The 1967 MENC symposium at Tanglewood advocated the inclusion of popular music, along with the classics, in the general music curriculum. The author looks briefly at how well this recommendation is being implemented and discusses the benefits of using popular works in music instruction. (SJL)

Compares the effects of explicit training in classical and romantic styles, the relevance of four musical dimensions, and the congruence of categorizations with predictions of exemplar- or prototype-theories of concept formation. Explains that subjects in both the exemplar and prototype groups relied on independently abstracted cues rather than…

Contends that marching bands should explore the classical repertoire of the symphony orchestra. Discusses three reasons why the audience and students enjoy this type of music. Includes a list of classical music that has worked for bands. (CMK)

A particularly innovative use of laptops is to enhance the music appreciation experience. Group listening and discussion, in combination with a new Web-based application, lead to deeper understanding of classical music. ["Appreciating Music: An Active Approach" was written with Joshua Austin.]

This manual was designed to accompany a computer software resource (Macintosh diskette and three CD-Rom discs) aimed at helping students with no previous musical knowledge, develop specific comprehension skills in classical music. The materials are based on the premise that conventional musical forms are abstract prototypes of whole classes of…

A recently developed pictorial and musical program was used to teach abstract art to 12 elementary students with severe intellectual disabilities and 12 controls. There was a significant main instructional effect favoring pictorial with classical music over both pictorial only and pictorial with rock music. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Outlines the Linden, New Jersey, schools' introduction and use of electronic musical technology and contemporary instruments in the orchestral music program, which has broadened the musical repertoire and the recruitment of talented students not schooled in the classical tradition. Four applications of technology for rehearsals and instrumental…

Although the difficulties encountered during the first half of the twentieth century by such singers as Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and Roland Hayes are history, the recent struggles of black classical singers for recognition illustrate current barriers. Several prominent black opera and concert artists recount their experiences. (SLD)

Music is everywhere. People listen to compact discs while relaxing at home, MP3s while jogging in the park, live music concerts in their free time, and internet radio on the computer. What are people listening to? Who is doing the listening? How have listening patterns changed over time? This report aims to answer those questions by using data…

A year-long music instruction unit introduces students to information about the lives of nine great composers of the classics and to their works. Each month a different composer is featured. No special training for teachers is necessary. (PP)

This article presents a case study where students examine an advertisement claiming that listening to classical music in an advertised CD set will enhance their cognitive skills and creativity. Students evaluate the claims and evidence cited to support them and then determine how they might independently verify the claims. The author states that…