Notes the importance of Piagetian Theory to music education research. Explores some problems with Piagetian Theory with regard to music research and offers a new interpretation of the Piagetian Model in light of more recent theories. (RKM)

This document contains eight volumes of "The Journal of Multicultural and Cross-cultural Research in Art Education." Founded in 1981 by the United States Society for Education through Art, the journal's purpose is to promote a greater understanding of diverse cultures and to explore the role of art in multicultural education. Featured articles…

Discusses a study of the musical instrument preferences of third grade children. Reports that students' choice of instruments was influenced by the manner in which the instruments were presented to them. Finds that preference varied with gender. Suggests areas for future research. (SG)

Reports results of a study of the musical timbre preferences of fifth grade students and of the effectiveness of the Instrument Timbre Preference Test. Concludes that results support the test's practical validity, particularly in terms of longitudinal prediction. Suggests that timbre preference investigations could affect aspects of music…

Examines relationships between musical information processed by a computer-based sound analysis system and the audiovisual record of a performer's response to musical assignments. Concludes that computer analysis permits identification of performance behavior. Suggests that a database could be designed to provide both diagnostic response to…

Provides a conceptual basis for understanding factor analysis as an analytical technique. Illustrates the basic concepts of factor analysis through Edward L. Rainbow's data from a study of variables influencing students' musical aptitude. Suggests that this technique is most appropriate in music applications where the interrelationships between…

Describes the rise of musical notation in the West, showing the relationship between that development and the origin of music literacy in China. Suggests that the balance of oral and literate means of music learning may foster creative expression in performance. Encourages the study and practice of orality in the training of young musicians. (LS)

Reports on a study that examined noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among school band directors. Finds that 41 percent of band directors in the sample had characteristic NIHL curves indicating that their experience as band directors played a role in the hearing loss. Recommends further study into the causes of NIHL among school band directors. (LS)

Outlines the history of U.S. public school bands and orchestras prior to World War II. Begins with nineteenth century touring orchestras; continuing with military, town, and professional bands. Relates the growth of instrumental music in schools to the expansion of the music curriculum and the progressive education movement. (LS)

Focuses on the types of research needed in general music education and the reasons for this research. Defines the place of general music in the curriculum, and examines influential constituencies for such education. Analyzes the state of general music in the schools, and assesses needed changes in the curriculum. (RW)

Reviews studies of singing which used elementary-aged subjects over the past 25 years. Summarizes studies done on the singing inaccuracies of children, and reviews studies on the processes required for accurate singing. Presents studies on factors affecting children's singing and examines the implications of this research for singing education.…

Presents experiments on the relationship between teacher intensity and levels of student attentiveness. Reports that increased levels of teacher intensity lead to greater student attentiveness. Discusses the implications of these finding for general music instruction. Identifies elements of effective teaching. (RW)

Assesses children's ability to indicate verbally and nonverbally their awareness of two-octave pitch shifts in a familiar song. Compares abilities of English- and Spanish-speaking children by age and by native language. Discovers older children indicate changes more proficiently whereas Spanish-speaking children respond less often. Finds many…

Tests 90 children's and 100 preservice teachers' singing ranges and tonalities. Finds both sets of subjects have nearly identical singing ranges. Suggests both groups may sing in low tessituras unless reminded to lift their voices. Encourages teacher education programs to recommend that new teachers perform songs in suitable ranges for children.…

Examines effects of different vocal models, response modes, and grade level on pitch-matching accuracy. Studies 163 children in grades K-3 and grades 7-8. Asks participants to echo singing performed by female and male voices. Finds no significant difference in response modes but significant differences in age-level ability and ability to match…