Provides some tips on jazz instruction for the beginning music educator who may not have had much experience in that field. Specifically recommends teaching guide tones, the root, third, and seventh chords, as an invaluable aid to jazz improvisation. Includes musical notation showing guide tones for two jazz standards. (MJP)

Investigates the effects of a year-long program of vocal instruction on measures of respiration (vital capacity, peak flow, duration) and singing performance (high pitch, low pitch, total range, pitch accuracy) among general music students in elementary grades. Charts the specific psychomotor skills most influenced by instructive measures. (MJP)

Asserts that reading a book to children lays a foundation for new adventures including retelling the story, interacting in dramatic play, writing, doing art projects, and having fun with music. Finds that by extending stories with activities, children refine their language skills, enhance their imagination, and foster self-esteem. (SD)

This article talks about the Cognitive Recess Curriculum as a cognitive approach to elementary school recess. The concept of a cognitive recess curriculum is based on three research studies conducted by the author. The largest study involved over 1,564 educators (superintendents, principals, teachers K 12). It sought to determine the subjects'…

Collaborative music making continues to be a powerful means of facilitating group knowledge construction and emancipatory learning in communities.

Although an extensive literature exists on creativity and music, there is a lack of published research investigating possible links between musical creativity and Csikszentmihalyi's concept of flow or optimal experience. This article examines a group composition task to study the relationships between creativity, flow and the quality of the…

This paper serves as a brief description of research into the use of professional level music software as a learning tool for creativity and composition by primary school children. The research formed the basis of a Master of Information Technology in Education degree at the University of Melbourne. The paper examines the physical environment, the…

The aim of the present study was to investigate the extramusical effects of a music education program in one preschool classroom over a period of six weeks. The class had not previously been exposed to regular music lessons. Readily available teaching resources containing sound recordings were used. Analysis revealed six themes that addressed the…

Adult piano students (N = 711) from 24 states across the U.S. rated the existence and importance of 31 potential benefits of adult piano study. Benefits selected from existing adult music and leisure-benefit research were organized into three categories: Personal, Skill, and Social/Cultural. The category of Skill Benefits was the most-agreed-upon…

Purpose: This research explores the importance of extracurricular activities, specifically music performances of a high school music group in Jordan, for the education of adolescent girls about patriotism, the proper way to live their faith, and their role as young women in contemporary Jordan. Setting: Article is based on research in a high…

These papers were collected from participants at a conference on young children, adults, and music. Papers include: (1) "Preschool Children's Responses to Music on Television" (Katharine Smithrim, Canada); (2) "Learning to Observe in Order to Join the Musical Activities Better to the Total Development of the Young Child" (Margre van Gestel, The…

These articles focus on art as a component of interdisciplinary integration. (1) "Integrated Curriculum and the Visual Arts" (Anna Kindler) considers various aspects of integration and implications for art education. (2) "Integration: The New Literacy" (Tim Varro) illustrates how the use of technology can facilitate…

This book focuses on how teachers can guide children to acquire ownership of musical concepts through their personal construction of knowledge. It is intended for teachers of grades K-3, music educators, and preservice teachers. The book contends that music and movement are important to the development of the whole child and can be integrated…

The teaching mini-units in this teacher's guide are designed for use with elementary level students. Thematic study units are given for each of the following countries or continents: Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the…

This book is the second guide accompanying a series of nine recordings of a rare collection of international folk music. The volume provides information needed to facilitate the many and varied activities necessary for students' understanding and application of movement and music concepts. The 14 selections from the recording are noted and include…