This article seeks to reignite debate about the purpose of a university music education. Taking inspiration from Randall Thompson's 1935 investigation of the role of music preparation in U.S. colleges and universities, an analogous call is made for a less vocational approach to the study of music. The author claims that the music education…

Due to the current recession, the American economy within the last few years has taken a nosedive, making it difficult for national, state, and local governments to support all the programs they currently have in place. There are difficult choices that need to be made about where to make sacrifices in their budgets so things can still run…

This article offers a brief summary of the current minority situation in university and college music programs in the United States. Research in this area has concentrated to varying degrees on specific subsets of the minority population (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians) as well as on minorities in a more general…

Many high schools in the U.S. offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in music theory for students wishing to study music at the college level. Others devote part of the music curriculum to theory and aural-skills instruction, but do not offer AP courses. In either case, high school theory and aural-skills courses typically strive to cover all, or…

The national shortage of music teachers in kindergarten through grade twelve is one of the most critical challenges we face in the entire field of music. It is not just a challenge to be met head-on by our teaching colleagues in America's elementary and secondary schools. It is a challenge that requires us all--at every educational level and…

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)

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)

Explores different movements in educational psychology that have affected music education since the 1950s: (1) behaviorism; (2) cognitivism; (3) humanism; and (4) a socio-biological model. Describes each of the four schools of thought in detail as they related to music education. (CMK)

Explores the historical developments in technology that affected music education. Describes the developments in hardware, such as gears and levers, electricity, vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Discusses the changes in computer software from the 1950s to the present. (CMK)

Discusses how preservice and experienced teachers can utilize professional teaching portfolios. Explains three types of portfolios: (1) process-folios; (2) product-folios, and (3) process/product-folios. Also explains the procedures for creating a professional portfolio and what is included in a portfolio. Includes a table called "Common…

Focuses on how important it is for teachers to understand music editorial practices. Explains that the knowledge can help them select appropriate performing editions of music for their classes. Provides background information on editorial practices and the philosophy and methodology behind them. Discusses the nature of primary sources. (CMK)

Focuses on the use of service learning in music education, particularly at the secondary and university levels. Provides background information on service learning and addresses the benefits of this approach. Discusses how to develop a service learning program, the activities, and assessment. (CMK)

States that outside factors affect talented high school and university students when making decisions about selecting a major other than one that will lead them to become a future music educator. Explains how current music teachers can encourage students to choose music education as a major by clearly stating the career advantages and…

Explores aspects of music education such as why music is important; the role of music education; how music can improve people's lives; the importance of having all students participate in music education; how technology can be used in music; and how to improve education for future music teachers. (CMK)