The author describes the three-phase process of musical creativity (exploratory, invention, organizational), identifying activities in each of the creative phases. Included are vocal impression, picture sounds, chord tones, and name improvisation. Selected readings and recordings are included. (KC)

The positive aspects of improvisation (careful listening, response to words, notes and sounds) are presented, as are obstacles to improvisation (fear of ridicule, and the "comedian syndrome"). Nevertheless, it can help the rule-bound see the need for freedom or the undisciplined see the need for more understanding. (Author/KC)

Discusses the arguments and the court decisions, particularly in relation to school Christmas programs, that are a part of the social concern on the place of religious music in the large issue of the separation of Church and State. (Editor/RK)

The power of music to create a coherent group is amazing. Music can be used to help focus attention, encourage group unity, involve everyone, and allow creative self-expression. Discusses different song styles, simple rhythm instruments, and song writing. Song-leading tips include song choice, teaching techniques, motions, song sheets, and three…

Music educators with little experience in Aboriginal culture have trouble teaching Aboriginal music in schools. Indigenous music activity in the Kimberley region of Western Australia illustrates four contexts in which Indigenous music could be studied: local versus national Indigenous music, and Indigenous music in relation to history, place, and…

Explores the detailed processes whereby concert performances of serious music are collectively achieved in rehearsal. The article concentrates on a youth orchestra rehearsing a section of a Beethoven symphony that was audiotaped. The article further focuses on the "talk" that shapes the collective musical activities rather than the…

Examines William J. Bennett's recommendation in "James Madison High School: A Curriculum for American Students," that the ideal high school core curriculum should include one half year of music history. States that while the recommendation supports music education, it may not be met in many systems due to lack of funding and scheduling…

Explores the personal and informal dimensions of listening to and making music, noting the varieties of genres and cultural representations in Hawaii. The article explains how to expand one's experiences with music and discusses how to select musical activities. Descriptions of pitch, time, medium, form, and expression are included. (SM)

This interview with Brenda Jean Robbins, a Florida music therapist and teacher selected as 1995 Teacher of the Year by the Council for Exceptional Children, reveals her views about music therapy, goals, relationship of music therapy to the special education classroom, musical performance, and getting parents involved. (DB)

Describes a study that sought to identify music skills and understandings that early childhood and elementary school classroom teachers perceived as useful. Reports that teachers favored those aspects that enabled them to present music as a supplement to other areas of study or as recreational or transitional activities. (SG)

Discusses how the concept of fractions can be taught to elementary school students through the measurements needed in cooking, and through the use of eighth-, quarter-, and half-notes in music. (BB)

Presents an activity that integrates music, dance, and mathematics. (ASK)

A study investigated the effects of a new intervention paradigm on learning musical notation for five Dutch students with dyslexia and four typical students. Results found that the dyslexic children needed more time to learn musical notation, made more mistakes, and produced more "third transpositions." Implications for teaching are…

Discusses how creating a musical climate in early childhood classrooms can give children a way to express feelings and ideas, and can smoothly blend the activities and routines of the classroom day. Provides suggestions for making new songs from old and creating new songs. Includes sample songs. (KB)

Describes the picture book rendition of the operatic story "Aida" (based on the opera composed by G. Verdi) as retold by opera diva Leontyne Price. Describes how this picture book is appropriate for introducing adolescent readers to opera. Describes specific activities for music classes, musical resources, specific art activities, and…