Reports on a study to compare the hearing acuity of three groups of music teachers: (1) vocal; (2) elementary instrumental; and (3) high school instrumental. Finds some risk of hearing loss among high school band directors, but that the degree of risk varies widely among individuals. (CFR)

Maintains that music students who understand the historical and cultural contexts of music will present more enlightened and expressive performances. Presents recommended strategies designed to foster cultural understanding among music students. Includes a list of selected resources. (CFR)

Maintains that jazz is the improvised variation of a melody based on a previously established harmonic and rhythmic framework. Provides teaching suggestions for introducing jazz to school bands and encouraging improvisational playing. Asserts that helping students play jazz is not easy, but it will develop creativity and confidence. (CFR)

Twenty-nine Australian children (ages 6-9) with learning difficulties participated in 23-week programs involving music, storytelling, or both. Students participating in the programs improved in listening comprehension, phonological processing, and receptive vocabulary skills. Some effects were not evident until posttesting seven weeks after…

Describes a middle school program in which students create and produce an original opera. Describes the interdisciplinary learning acquired as students created music, dialog, sets, and costumes. Contends that the project was an exciting and rewarding experience for students and teachers. (CFR)

Contends that Comprehensive Musicianship of the Contemporary Music Project has been all but ignored by music educators. Argues that Comprehensive Musicianship is the answer to a lack of measurable goals and assessment criteria in instrumental music. Concludes that secondary music instructors who fail to incorporate these techniques risk losing…

Contends that teaching music history has traditionally focused on five eras of Western music. Relates these periods to concepts of form, space, and understanding. Acknowledges that music education has been ethnocentric and recommends a more universal music education. (CFR)

Presents an interview with Keith Lockhart, the conductor and music director of the Boston Pops orchestra. Lockhart reflects on the role of music in education and society and describes ways he tries to communicate with young audiences. Includes a brief biography of the conductor. (MJP)

Offers educators and families a variety of strategies to help facilitate the development of friendships among students with disabilities and their typical peers. Activities to teach students about individual differences, music and art activities to promote friendships, and sample get-acquainted and class-cohesiveness activities are listed. (CR)

Presents an interview with Julie Gold that addresses the importance of music in her education, her career as a songwriter, and her work as a professional singer. States that music and the arts is a crucial aspect of a child's education and that our society should recognize the triumphs of artists/musicians. (CMK)

Using music in the classroom enhances learning. Music and dance provide an opportunity for positive social interaction. Singing fosters understanding of the sound and rhythm of language. Exposing children to the patterns of different kinds of music helps them to recognize patterns in mathematics. Background music in the classroom reduces stress…

Study correlated teacher characteristics derived from qualitative methods (interviews, observation, etc.) with results produced by quantitative methods (measurement of eye contact, facial expressions, voice level). The teachers' commitment to their students' learning was reflected in their adaptable and effective classroom behavior. (MJP)

Guides preschool educators through cooking activities that can enhance children's abilities in math, science, social studies, reading, language, motor development, art, music, social skills, and health education. Contains 11 step-by-step instructions, suggested rebus cards, important cooking rules, and recipes to ensure successful cooking with…

Considers the suitability of criteria-specific rating scales in the selection of high school students for participation in an honors ensemble. Criteria-specific music-performance rating scales include written descriptions of specific levels of performance rather than simple numerical notations. Concludes that these scales can be used with…

Summarizes a study where 668 students were given the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. The questionnaire measures four features of personality: tough-mindedness, extraversion, emotionality, and lying. The study correlated personality traits to decisions regarding instrumental music study and choice of instrument. Includes tabular data on…