How computerized electronic keyboards can be used in elementary music classrooms is discussed. Tips for buying the right keyboard are also presented. (RM)

A computer software program is presented. The program, written for the Commodore 64 with a VIC 1525 printer, can be adapted to work with any computer using the BASIC language. (RM)

The year 1985 marks the 300th birthday of three masters of Baroque music: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, and Dominico Scarlatti. A summary of the history of Baroque music and a profile of the three composers, which can be used to teach secondary students about the period, are provided. (RM)

Elementary classroom musical activities that illustrate and encourage creative characteristics and behaviors are described. (RM)

There are many ways to increase the output of today's schools without an increase in the time spent there. The main focus should not be on how much time there is, but on how the time is used. (RM)

"A Nation At Risk," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, lists concerns, findings, and suggestions for solutions to educational problems. Discussed here are the general educational concerns most relevant to music education. Following each concern are suggestions for improvement that can be implemented in music courses.…

Oregon high school band directors worked out a set of state guidelines for high school bands. The guidelines, which comprise this article, contain rationales, expectations, and recommendations concerning athletic contests, marching contests, jazz ensembles, musical shows, parades, summer activities, and performances in general. (RM)

Motivating music students to practice is a perennial concern for teachers and parents. Behavioral contracts, in which the teacher or parent guarantees a certain reward in return for the student completing a designated task, is one solution. How to construct a contract is discussed. A sample contract is included. (RM)

To date, writings on women in jazz have failed to relate women's music to the mainstream of jazz history. Significant women instrumentalists and composers in early jazz, the swing era, and in modern jazz are discussed. (RM)

Educators discuss the pros and cons of a double major for music students. (RM)

Describes the history of women in music in the United States. Vocal performance was the first area that opened up for women. Prejudice against women instrumentalists still exists, though breakthroughs into the major orchestras occurred after World War II. Women are also underrepresented as teachers of composition and conducting. (CS)

Entire new fields like video recording and cable television are being developed and need creative talent. The two career choices of performer and educator no longer satisfy the goals of music students. There must be closer contact between music schools and industry, with music business courses included in the curriculum. (CS)

John Heiss, a teacher and composer, describes how he came to write "Songs of Nature," a song cycle with text by nineteenth-century American poets. Heiss believes that, though a composer must know his craft, there should be room for intuition and the emotions in the creative process. (CS)

One way to counter drop-out rates in music programs is to teach all young children how to sing. A first step is to teach children how to differentiate their individual voice registers. They should then be taught to recognize and remember melodies, and appropriate song materials should be selected. (CS)

Describes software programs in BASIC which teach music, using the Apple, Timex Sinclair 1000, TRS-80, and Commodore computers. Music educators should incorporate computer instruction into the curriculum to teach theory, history, and even practical techniques of music. Computers will never supersede the teacher, who must guide and motivate. (CS)