In this article, the author, based on his own experience, contends that historical videos are engaging--more engaging than history text. As far as he can recall, almost no layperson (that is, a nonacademic) has ever contacted him about his published research. In contrast, "users" of YouTube comment on the historical videos daily. Thousands of…

Copyright law is a daunting subject for most lawyers, so it's no surprise that many music educators feel uneasy dealing with it as well. But in truth, obtaining permissions for using copyrighted works can be a very simple and straightforward process. This article walks the readers through the steps of obtaining permission for a fictional piece of…

In the past few decades, the steel band art form has experienced consistent growth and development in several key respects. For example, in the United States, the sheer number of steel band programs has steadily increased, and it appears that this trend will continue in the future. Additionally, pan builders and tuners have made great strides in…

Describes procedures followed in the use of a microcomputer to develop an index to a collection of vocal sheet music at the Music Library of the University of Colorado. Indexes generated using four fields--title, composer's last name, lyricist's last name, and first line--are noted. (EJS)

Discusses the Internet and the initial fascination with what the Internet can provide. Focuses on the digital distribution of sheet music, including catalogs from publishers. Addresses the trade-offs involved with the faster distribution of sheet music due to the availability of the Internet. (CMK)

Examined American popular sheet music published between 1830 and 1980 as source for understanding perceptions and feelings about aging and old age. From over 300 pieces of relevant sheet music, cover art and lyrics are reviewed. A substantial majority presented negative rather than positive views of aging and old age. (Author/NB)

Rather than just being a study of past art works, art history can also be a study of process in which students learn about describing, attributing, reconstructing, and interpreting art. Sheet music is suggested as a possible resource to develop these skills. (IS)

Argues that libraries have done little to preserve the record of the American popular dance and recommends that they promote dance experiences as community outreach activities, providing such accompanying materials as sheet music, phonograph records, audiotapes, and player piano rolls. Seventeen references are listed. (RAA)

Discusses a recent lawsuit involving the violation of copyright laws by a music teacher who illegally reproduced sheet music. The purpose, scope, and limitations of copyright laws are explained in terms of teacher use of published materials. The penalties for copyright infringement are also described. (AM)

Asserts that including mariachi ensembles in schools with high Hispanic populations encourages students to remain in school. Provides a history of mariachi and discusses mariachi instruments. Includes information on developing a mariachi ensemble, including lists of resources, such as mariachi conferences and sources of sheet music. (CMK)

Asks how a music teacher can supply enough sheet music to ensure resources for every student while meeting restrictions of slender budgets and copyright laws. Explores the concept of authorized duplication, similar to software licensing, as a solution. Provides sources of music with authorized duplication agreements. (DSK)

Studies the process through which four jazz musicians coordinate an inventive performance, without rehearsal or the use of sheet music. Identifies a basic strategy of shared information, communication, and attention for inventing and coordinating increasingly complex musical ideas. Draws implications for the study and management of organizational…

Enumerates types of black popular music (work songs, spirituals, gospel music, blues, race records, rock and roll, soul, funk, disco, Caribbean, and African) and discusses collection development (current, retrospective, monographs, periodicals, sheet music, motion picture film, photographs, oral history), cataloging, and preservation. A 229-item…

These articles describe the experiences of the Johns Hopkins University library in digitizing their collection of sheet music; motivation for buckets, Smart Object, Dumb Archive (SODA) and the Open Archives Initiative (OAI), and initial experiences using them in digital library (DL) testbeds; requirements for archival institutions, the National…

"Lessons in American Music," by Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay, is a collection of lessons covering William Billings, Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, and "The Star-Spangled Banner." This book is an all-in-one resource for teachers, offering lesson plans, activities, sheet music, and assessments. The set of lessons on William Billings will let your…