Presents an interview with Dr. Harold P. Geerdes, world-renowned music facility planner, acoustician, and music professor. Dr. Geerdes discusses the different characteristics of rehearsal spaces and concert halls as well as the importance of interior materials and design. He also provides some easy and inexpensive tips for schools. (MJP)

Addresses the way that popular music depicted the anti-war sentiment during the Vietnam war era, as opposed to country western music which defended government action. Advocates supplementing textbook readings with song lyrics, and suggests a slide presentation to help integrate the two media. Lists three tables with songs organized around specific…

Reports concerns about the state of music in an urban society, reviewing educational, social, and cultural changes that should impel teachers to re-examine their programs. Offers several possible solutions to the problems that urbanization has imposed on school music programs. (LS)

Examines the state of school instrumental music, presenting an optimistic projection for the future. Claims that understanding developments in technology while honoring the past is the key to future success. Encourages the use of computers, portable keyboards, rock music, and television in the classroom to capture students' interest in technology.…

Focuses on the growth of jazz-related ensembles and jazz education. Covers trends that parallel technological developments including electronic keyboards, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) systems, the computer, computer assisted instruction, interactive video, and the compact disc. Urges teachers to update their knowledge and experience…

Discusses the cultural pluralism prevalent in the United States and explores reasons why music educators must tailor their programs to reflect ethnic backgrounds of their students. States that musical diversity is vital to well-rounded music program. Recommends eight instructional strategies to increase multicultural awareness of students. (LS)

Contends that, from the earliest possible moment and even before birth, it is apparent that babies respond to sound stimuli. Presents a series of music activities designed to make music an integral part of children's lives. Includes activities involving singing, rhythm, musical instruments, and listening to guest musicians in the classroom. (CFR)

Discusses the community service requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. Contends it enhances arts instruction and highlights student accomplishments. Describes a program in which performing arts students meet the requirements through participation in concerts, art shows, and similar community-based activities. (CFR)

States that transcribing is notating the performance of a musical composition or improvisation as the music is grasped aurally. Maintains that transcribing is effective for high school and college students who want to understand jazz techniques. Includes eight suggestions for teaching transcribing. (CFR)

Provides fully developed library media activities, most of which are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units. Highlights include art (first or second grades), music (fifth through ninth grades), reading/language arts (first through fifth grades), science (kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grades), and social studies (fourth…

Describes the production of operas in a second-grade classroom. Explains how the project requires an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Contends that elementary, secondary, and even higher education students would benefit from this activity. (CFR)

Measures the effects of cognitive-style field dependence/field independence on students' ability to discern form in music. Applies tests to 119 nonmusic majors enrolled in an introductory music course. Finds field-independent subjects scored significantly higher than field-dependent subjects. Identifies variables affecting learning for both…

Explains what music teachers can do in the classroom to promote and develop elementary school students' attention to music learning, listening, and comprehension. States the manner of presentation is critically important. Includes guidelines for classroom teaching and describes various class activities. (NL)

Describes the Music Honors Program in Millburn (NJ) High School. Discusses student selection, program characteristics, and the importance of public performances. Concludes that the program helps maintain student interest in music and gives music more equitable status within the school curriculum. (CFR)

Maintains that the ability and experience of improvisation is an essential component in young musicians' education. Discusses one teacher's trial-and-error efforts in introducing improvisational exercises into her students classical training. Includes a list of resources and representative musical examples. (MJP)