The idea of certifying teachers without methods courses and student teaching is being proposed in some states. Music educators must initiate reform in the training of music teachers before those outside the field do it. Ways that individual music teacher educators can improve the training of music education majors are discussed. (RM)

Music teachers can use folk dance to teach rhythm and meter. One of the richest collections of folk dances in the world comes from the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. A musical approach to folk dance is discussed, and four Balkan dances are described. (RM)

Establishing music as an integral part of the elementary curriculum is one of the most pressing challenges facing music educators. The tremendous motivational power of music should be utilized in education. Four music activities which can be used with elementary students to reinforce reading activities are described. (RM)

Survival tips and resources to make the first year teaching experience a better and more memorable one for music teachers are provided. (RM)

There are tricks that individuals can use in vocal and instrumental classes to create the illusion of music reading for the unsuspecting teacher. Typical ways in which music reading can appear to be occurring are described, and four suggestions for promoting independent study during group reading exercises are presented. (RM)

In the Egmont overture, Beethoven combines the romantic spirit, as expressed in the heroic ideal and defiance of tyranny, with classical form and thematic treatment. Background information is provided to help elementary and secondary teachers teach the overture. (RM)

Because of dwindling financial resources, the doctoral program in music may be in jeopardy. Four options for the doctorate are examined: expand it, maintain it, reduce it, or discontinue it. Steps that must be taken to assure that a high quality music doctoral program continues are presented. (RM)

Techniques that elementary teachers can use to motivate students to develop their reading skills with greater enthusiasm are presented. These include the "eye chart" game, the "get to the head of the class" game, the "I can see what you can see" game, and the "song puzzle" game. (RM)

Closure is that element of the learning experience wherein the important points of the class period are reviewed and short-term goals are evaluated and related to long-term goals. The need for closure in musical rehearsals is discussed, and examples of closure are provided. (RM)

Ideas for maintaining and advancing the K-12 music program during these times of tight money are described. (RM)

Music motivator projects that enable the elementary teacher to use social science methods (known as ethnomethodology) to observe and learn about students without testing are described. Working in groups and guiding each other, students compose a musical composition and then notate it. Discovery learning is encouraged. (RM)

Guidelines to help elementary and secondary music teachers organize activities for Music in Our Schools Month are presented. (RM)

A symposium sponsored by the Eastern Division of the Music Educators National Conference and 12 state music associations to discuss the impact of recent education reports on music education is described. Strategies for strengthening music education are presented. (RM)

The host of a radio program called "A Note to You" explains how he teaches music on radio. The 60-minute program is funded jointly by Northeastern University and WGBH-FM of Boston. Programing, course content, and radio teaching techniques are discussed. (RM)

Microcomputers are rapidly making their way into music education. Developments in music computer-assisted instruction are discussed, and computer software for music education is described. (RM)