Describes a strategy for teaching blues improvisation to beginning and intermediate level improvisation students. Focuses on three aspects of the method: (1) phrase structure; (2) dramatic shape; and (3) thematic development. Includes a bibliography of resources and a list of terminology. (CMK)

Discusses how music teachers can begin a gospel choir at the middle school through university levels. Provides a historical background on gospel choirs and presents the benefits of having a gospel choir. Focuses on issues teachers should address, how to teach this type of choir, and common misconceptions. (CMK)

Discusses how secondary education music teachers can team teach in the instrumental music classroom. Focuses on issues involved, such as defining team teaching, the influence of the curriculum, and deciding upon discipline strategies. Addresses the positive and negatives of team teaching. (CMK)

Focuses on creating warm-up exercises for use with choral groups, offering tips for developing the exercises. Explains that a warm-up is useful for teaching students to sing, listen, and learn specific music concepts and activities. Provides a list of additional resources and example activities. (CMK)

Discusses how medieval music can be utilized in the choral and general music classroom to teach middle school students and to address the National Standards for Music Education. Provides background information on medieval music, ideas for lessons, and a glossary of key terms. (CMK)

Describes how to develop a choral festival, explaining the importance for the music teacher to plan and set priorities. Discusses what to look for in a conductor and accompanist, how to select the repertoire and facilities, and create the schedule. (CMK)

Focuses on how preservice teachers can develop their classroom management skills. Explains that teachers must improve their personal delivery style, knowledge, and accurate presentation skills. Addresses how to minimize off task behavior, time management, and meeting student needs. Includes a bibliography. (CMK)

Describes how to teach about world music, specifically music of West Africa, using an interdisciplinary inquiry approach. Explains that questions are generated and the teacher develops the learning experience. Provides examples at the fourth grade level as well as information on resources and musical examples. (CMK)

Provides background information on music therapy. Discusses how music therapy works in the public school setting and offers advice to music teachers. Explores music therapy and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, addressing the benefits of having access to music therapists. (CMK)

Describes how to use whole language instruction in the music classroom. Discusses the various aspects of whole language instruction, such as authentic learning experiences, whole concept, learning that focuses on inquiry, the importance of social interaction, and reflection. Lists appropriate activities. (CMK)

Discusses how to teach the elements of music as well as the National Music Education Standards. Explains that teachers can accomplish this goal by using conjoined rubrics. Describes how to create a conjoined rubric, how to score the rubric, and what resources are available. (CMK)

Believes that everyone can sing, but that many people think that they do not have the ability. States that music teachers can recruit students for choir by concentrating on the skill and effort of students. Explains how teachers can use attribution theory to recruit nonsingers. (CMK)

Explains how singing can be incorporated into the band rehearsal. Discusses how to improve student aural skills by including singing in the rehearsal and the benefits of having students sing. Describes how music teachers can use songs or chorales in the classroom. (CMK)

Describes a unit that is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students that focuses on jazz music using biographies about jazz musicians. Discusses the five sections of the unit. Includes a list of "Suggested Jazz Listening Samples," jazz videos, and a bibliography of resources related to jazz music. (CMK)

Discusses how to teach elementary students to become better singers. Focuses on how to develop their voices and listening skills in music class. Explores when to have students sing alone and in groups, how to use songs, and when to teach music vocabulary. (CMK)