Notes that musical aptitude is not developed or nurtured through mere "exposure" to music but through active participation in singing and moving to music. Provides a rationale and suggestions for teaching singing in early childhood classrooms. (HTH)

Twenty-two second grade children created musical compositions on an Orff xylophone during an eight-week period and produced accompanying written scores. Analysis showed that, over the period, children improved pattern recognition and increased use of melodic motives, and that writing the score did not inhibit the creative process. (JDD)

Although music performance classes may include one or two public concerts each year, these concerts should not be the main class focus. Fine music programs can be identified by their balance, curriculum quality, activity level, and opportunity for students of all abilities. (MLH)

Outlines the innovative nature of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's program of concerts designed especially for children ages five through eight that feature children as a participatory audience. The selection of repertoire and the types of support and resources provided for teachers are also discussed. (MDM)

Explores issues related to the successful integration of songs and music into the Italian curriculum and suggests methods for incorporating music to enhance students' speaking, understanding, reading, writing, and cultural awareness skills. (27 references) (CB)

Describes the benefits of a curriculum that includes musical experiences. Discusses methods teachers can use to incorporate focused listening, singing accuracy, beat competency, and music appreciation into classroom activities. Suggested records and tapes are listed. (LB)

The activities of the Performing Arts Program of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (District of Columbia) are described, focusing on classes offered in dance, music, and theater; in-house and road show productions; student participation; outreach; summer institute programs; volunteer assistance; alumni achievements; and implications for…

Presents math, language arts and movement, and arts and crafts activities (poetry, crafts, artwork, and a song) for kindergarteners and other young students. The article features learning centers that explore the past, the present, and the future using dinosaur, caterpillar, and community helper projects. (SM)

A study of four- to six-year-old children in China compared experimental and traditional teaching methods of music education. Findings supported the value of the Comprehensive Musicianship Education approach for students. (SH)

Presents a series of interesting and creative learning activities designed to enhance students understanding and appreciation of classical music. Although designed to work in conjunction with a CD-ROM, most of the electronic material (music selections, scores, brief biographies) is available in libraries. Learning activities include objectives and…

Presents the history of the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) band from its inception in 1923 until documentary records end in 1929. Recounts the creation of the band within the context of the ISD, the nature of the repertoire, their performances, and public praise and criticism of the band. (DSK)

Presents a lesson plan for keyboard instruction excerpted from "Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level and High School Keyboard" (compiled by Martha Hilley and Tommie Pardue. Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1996). Provides objectives, materials, required background knowledge, procedures, evaluation indicators, and…

Relates the creation of a teaching method in which students create physical movements reflecting their understanding of a musical piece. Students begin by mirroring instructors' movements, then modifying them to better fit their individual understandings, and, finally, create their own movements for new pieces. Evaluates the method's pedagogical…

Compares self-reported music class activity time use and actual time use of general music teachers. Indicates that teachers' own estimates of time use is greater than is the actual time. Reports additional findings related to general music teaching, teaching intensity, and teaching effectiveness. (DSK)

This article argues for a redefinition of how secondary music teachers might think about teaching content. Rather than considering performance-based education that reaches only a small portion of the population, music teachers should consider composition, improvisation, and active listening as important additional concerns for a wider population…