Based on a musical celebration of children's diversity, this early childhood curriculum guide provides guidance in using the compact disk "Nobody Else Like Me" to help children think critically about and appreciate differences and similarities among people. The guide is organized into 12 sections, each focusing on one of the songs from the disk,…

This paper provides information about the beginnings of literacy in young children and the skills they need for reading readiness. The paper also describes what is meant by a "quality early literacy instruction" and reading skill development in early childhood settings. It outlines early reading behaviors, including phonemic awareness,…

Extols the virtues of a year-round school schedule and identifies several schools where this practice has contributed to the success of the music program. Briefly discusses such key factors as staffing, budget, curriculum, logical sequence of instruction, and performance scheduling. Includes an example of a year-round schedule. (MJP)

Offers three brief articles on three teacher-initiated programs that involve collaboration with colleagues and students: in music/arts production by fourth and fifth graders; an independent study program in which middle school students wrote grant proposals; and an activity in which seventh graders mapped a timeline of Earth history and geologic…

Addresses the age-old problem of getting students to play in tune and offers suggestions to correct this problem. Outlines three easy steps: (1) make students aware of existing problems, (2) let students correct these problems, and (3) teach students the idiosyncrasies of their instrument. Includes a list of problem notes. (MJP)

Argues that the joy and curiosity of children regarding music and books can complement each other in the learning environment. Discusses what kinds of books can supplement music education according to interest and cognitive development. Includes a 34-item bibliography of selected music-related books. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Doc Severinsen in which the musician discusses his early introduction to music, the influence of several teachers, and his career in music. Severinsen also discusses the benefits of music education and its future. (MJP)

Describes a study that involved a search for a model for the teaching of musical composition to students with some prior experience. Recounts in detail the way students approached the task of composing music, and the compositions they produced. Offers several recommendations for reforming composition instruction. (MJP)

Covers a variety of strategies for creating a unique and identifiable choral sound. Provides specific instructions for developing singing in unison and recommends a standing arrangement of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass quartets. Provides other tips for instrumentation, sight reading, and quality rehearsal time. (MJP)

Provides a thorough overview of middle school guitar instruction discussing both private and group lessons. Considers the role of the guitar as both a solo instrument and in ensemble and orchestra. Includes curricular guidelines for a beginning guitar course and a sample list of songs for a final recital. (MJP)

Describes and defines the steps involved in measurement and evaluation: (1) determining an outcome; (2)defining scoring criteria; (3)establishing appropriate assessment tasks; and (4)creating opportunities for learning. Includes a flow chart for a design-down curriculum and an example of a vocal performance rating scale assessment. (MJP)

Reports on a study that investigated possible effects of visual information on non-music students' cognitive responses to music. One group rated the affective response of musical excerpts from the film "Fantasia" without the accompanying video while another rated the excerpts with the video. Reveals little significant difference between…

Reports on a study of the influence of harmonic context on the sight-singing skill of middle school choral music students. Finds that students in the melody-only treatment group showed more improvement in sight-singing than those in the vocal-harmony group. Also finds no differences between the melody-only and the piano-harmony groups. (CFR)

Maintains that instilling in a choral ensemble the desire to sing well is a primary goal of a choral director. Provides suggestions for changing established student attitudes and overcoming mediocrity. Makes suggestions for effective choral presentations. (CFR)

Tests 90 children's and 100 preservice teachers' singing ranges and tonalities. Finds both sets of subjects have nearly identical singing ranges. Suggests both groups may sing in low tessituras unless reminded to lift their voices. Encourages teacher education programs to recommend that new teachers perform songs in suitable ranges for children.…