Explores the day-to-day music curriculum in three elementary schools. Identifies three orientations toward the role of music education: (1) the functional, based on traditional academic goals and content; (2) the complementary, relegating music to a hidden curriculum; and (3) the expansive, focusing on enhancing perceptual and problem-solving…

Develops previous research by examining the roles of parent and teacher in the biographies of young music students. Confirms earlier findings that support by both parent and teacher motivates initial music learning and adds that over time motivation becomes intrinsic and self-sustaining. Examines the implications for music education. (DSK)

Investigates the effects of race and gender on evaluations of musical performances by musician educators. Also addresses the impact of the gender stereotype of particular instruments on evaluations. Finds that instrument stereotypes influence evaluations, particularly for female students playing "male" instruments, and that blacks were…

Describes a connectionist, or neural network, model of musical learning that can be used to explain research by Harold Fiske in musical pattern discrimination that shows that the identification of tonal and rhythmic relationships between patterns requires varying amounts of reaction time. Discusses the model's importance for music education. (DSK)

Compares the music-teaching methods of Maurice Martenot and Edgar Willems, used widely in Spain and Portugal, by applying a revised comparative model to both methods. Concludes that both methods have solid values relating to the development of aural perception. Suggests areas for further research. (DSK)

Discusses a connectionist, or neural network, model of learning and representation. Argues that the less musical representations are developed, the more listeners refer to nonmusical associations to understand music. Suggests that music education should begin by providing students with tools to deal with music based on experiences already familiar…

Assesses aspects of primary student teachers' musicianship at the beginning and end of their teacher training to see whether teacher training has a significant and positive influence on student teachers' abilities to teach music. Shows that teacher training is able to improve the musicianship of many primary student teachers. (DSK)

Examines changes in children's singing games in Portugal since the 1940s with the assumption that cultural changes have altered significantly the nature of these games. Finds that children sing less, use poorer melodies, and mix speech and singing more, but that they employ more complex forms of physical activity. (DSK)

Examines the effects of institutionalized appropriation and colonization on mountain cultural artists, arts, and arts education in West Virginia. Interview excerpts convey the conflict between institutional representatives and mountain cultural artists regarding questions about authenticity, artistic intentions, marketing, and who should teach…

Articulates a fundamental rationale for the practice of qualitative research in music education. Argues that knowledge and experience are by definition subjective and constructed, thereby validating research methodologies that incorporate and acknowledge these realities. Identifies eight "processes" that offer productive research opportunities.…

Discusses a number of ethical dilemmas encountered during different stages of qualitative research. Outlines problems specific to entering the field, being in the field, leaving the field, writing, and dissemination. Recounts an incident from ethnographic research that illustrates problems concerning conflicting roles and maintaining objectivity.…

Provides a brief overview of the uses of rhetoric in the history of writing about music. Discusses Aristotle's topology of the three different kinds of rhetoric: deliberative, judicial, and epideictic (demonstrative). Includes excerpts from past music criticism, copious notes, and a 27-item bibliography. (MJP)

Examines the differences in methodology, content, and conclusions among various approaches to music education historical research. Argues that the preeminent role of interpretation in historical research mandates a broad assortment of methodologies including qualitative research. Includes excerpts from four different histories describing a seminal…

Notes that large-scale qualitative research projects tend to produce vast data pools from observation journals, interview transcripts, and other material that often is barely analyzed in the originating project. Argues that this material represents a valuable research resource. Includes six suggested rules for the use of older data. (MJP)

Examines fundamental conceptions regarding the role and nature of evaluating and researching music education programs. Questions the common idea that evaluative criteria for programs should focus primarily on the students' level of musical skill. Argues that consideration should be given to personal growth and other issues. (MJP)