The Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide information resources on early learning and training related to implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards for parents and for early childhood personnel in all settings. The IEL tip sheets offer suggestions to parents and early childhood…

Since the 19th century, educators have used songs to captivate and motivate students, underscore a point, or make a lesson memorable. Research in cognitive psychology has confirmed that there are "multiple intelligences" and different, but often mutually reinforcing "ways of knowing" and learning. Intended for teachers who want…

This framework for music contains four instructional strands. Each strand has content standards and cumulative student learning expectations for grades K-4, grades 5-8, and grades 9-12. The strands are: (1) "Create and Perform," in which students will demonstrate musical competency through creating and performing; (2) "Listen…

The author outlines music education and instruction in the Soviet Union. He points out the accent on group rather than individual performance. (RK)

Article points out that the teacher's attitude should stress individuality of the student rather than single him out because of his blindness. Described are methods of teaching using the braille music code. (Author/MM)

The author attributes the success of the Concord Pavilion (California) to two things, marketing and experience. Experience has taught administrators to make better, more selective programing choices, and marketing has helped them to sell those programs and events. (JMK)

The author cautions against using a professional concert format for the high school ensemble concert, for they have different audiences and different goals. He suggests a number of ways for making the school ensemble concert a rewarding experience for all involved. (KC)

Offers suggestions from five contributors regarding a calendar of reading activities related to bird observation, a way of involving parents in helping children with reading difficulties, formation of a special club for Title I children, an exercise in vocabulary development, and the value of using music to teach reading. (ET)

Sometimes, the incidental, in-between, hang-loose, unstructured times in classrooms are teachers' and students' best times together. Examples are songs sung together before the bell rings for assembly, the anecdotes children share before daily morning exercises begin, and the complicated hand/clap/chants students teach each other in the "free…

Presents three days of classroom activities for children 4 years and older in preschools using a videotape of Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" through which children explore storytelling through dance and music, learn the nuances of music, and become aware of the performing arts. Includes steps for teacher preparation, a script for…

Reports on a study that investigated the effectiveness and efficiency of computer classroom drill for learning bass clef notes. Compared posttest results among students with differing cognitive styles. Concludes that computer assisted instruction is an effective way to teach music skills, allowing teachers to focus on teaching aesthetic aspects of…

Reviews current research findings in the field of music in early childhood. Focuses on the musical development of the average child, citing evidence of music cognition and of music production. Reports some model programs established by music educators to work with parents and preschools to encourage musical development in the young child. (LS)

Cites some current problems in string teaching and encourages teachers to be more aggressive in providing for future string programs. Suggests that starting novice string players in later grades, developing effective student and program evaluation, establishing competent planning and scheduling, and using positive program promotion will ensure an…

Looks at new techniques for adjusting, playing, and caring for the double bass. Claims that following the suggestions listed will improve both the ease and quality of playing. (LS)