The article is based on a phenomenological way of thinking about knowledge and learning and will treat the concepts of response and critical friends as ways of sharing experience in higher music education. The problem area I want to illuminate is how teachers, who educate musicians, can use and facilitate development of their students' skills…

Preservice elementary education majors are required at many colleges and universities to take a course in music methods to become certified in their field. These courses are offered because they are a valuable component of a well-rounded liberal arts education and helps preservice educators to teach students in a well-rounded fashion. They are…

Music is important to the development of multidimensional future adults. Students have self-reported the value of music in their lives. Music educators, therefore, have a unique opportunity to create inclusive learning environments. Music learning objectives are often rooted in development of rehearsal techniques and performance skills. However,…

Motivation and leadership are two important factors influencing achievement in today's classrooms. Whereas some students are naturally self-motivated, other students struggle to find the basic motivation to reach their full potentials. Goal theory states that people naturally select goals based on mastery learning achievements or performance…

This article discusses three characteristics that are often associated with successful music educators. The three characteristics discussed include nonverbal communication, teacher self-efficacy, and servant leadership. Although there is no magical combination of characteristics that will produce an effective music teacher, these three attributes…

This article begins with the author's personal experience within The National Association for Music Education (MENC) and stresses the importance of professional organizations by addressing issues that have a consequential benefit to both students and teachers. Additionally, issues are addressed that seem problematic for some individuals within…

Provides background information on using action research in music education. Offers guidelines for teachers to help them do action research. Includes an example of how a music teacher conducted action research in which the teacher asked, "Why did [the students] continue vocal music from middle school to high school?" (CMK)

Discusses the issue of early musical experience to provide the necessary background for musical achievement in the future. Presents a review of research on musical practice, motivation, and cognitive skills of music performance. Addresses the implications of the research on music education overall. Includes references. (CMK)

States that collaborative learning has been absent from the field of music education. Presents a literature review on collaborative learning, focusing on issues such as the issue of student achievement and the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning. Explores research on collaborative learning in music education. Includes…

States that fairness has been a major concern in the field of music adjudication. Reviews the research literature to reveal information about three external characteristics (race, gender, and physical attractiveness) that may affect judges' performance evaluations and influence fairness of music adjudication. Includes references. (CMK)

States that hearing loss that occurs in the musical environment is commonly overlooked. Examines various aspects of the risks musicians take, such as hazardous environments, ignorance, and excessive sound levels. Offers two solutions to reduce the risks: (1) ear protection; and (2) modifications to the environment. Includes references. (CMK)

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). States that the overview of 1997 NAEP Arts Assessment results is disappointing within music education. Discusses the National Council for Education Statistics summary data tables. Presents three issues related to interpreting the tables and issues involved in secondary…

Examines teachers' mentor influences, focusing on student teachers' perceptions and descriptions of their mentors. Finds that preservice music teachers had a significantly higher number of mentors than elementary educators and suggests that most followed traditional patterns in mentoring relationships. Highlights the implications for those who…

Explores the changes in attitude and social engagement of students exposed to a special curriculum to promote tolerance versus those enrolled in typical music education preparation courses. Indicates that comfort levels with those from diverse/different background increased, the use of slurs decreased, and confrontations with others who made slurs…

Explores research relating to the use of conducting gestures as instructional tools to teach musical concepts, focusing on the effects of conducting on musical understanding and conducting as an organizational and management tool. Discusses why teachers fail to focus on conducting activities. (CMK)