Describes an experiment documenting the musical sounds made by children with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities. Production of these sounds is made by synthesizers and an EMS Soundbeam device that registers sounds created by body movement. Discusses the analysis of these sounds and their use in subsequent therapy. (MJP)

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.…

Argues that the profession and practice of music education research is becoming increasingly isolated and disengaged. Posits a parallel between this development and similar occurrences in the rest of society particularly the emphasis on consumption and commercialization. Maintains that this trend marks a decline in social capital. (MJP)

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)

Investigates the development of rhythmic perception in Italian primary school children and its correlation to other subjects. Demonstrates a significant improvement in fourth graders' ability to discriminate duration and rhythms and indicates very few correlations with other types of school learning. Believes that the results emphasize the special…

Reports on a longitudinal study of high school instrumentalists that examined the development of four distinct types of musical performance (playing by ear, playing from memory, sight reading, and improvising) over three years. Reveals a significant improvement in these skills while also demonstrating changes in aural and creative activities. (CMK)

Focuses on the research done on children learning the tabla, a northern India drum, and the role of the bols system, or mnemonics, that provides a means for memorizing musical material, generating improvisation, and developing rhythmic skills. Discusses the structure of the tabla lessons and the type of materials taught. (CMK)

Describes a year-long project where the specialist teachers (music, art, drama, and creative movement) attempted to integrate their instruction into the rest of an elementary school's curriculum. Discusses the initial planning, procedures, and information collected for research purposes. Includes verbatim responses from teachers, students, and…

Examines starting pitches and tonality in singing familiar songs when no reference pitch is given and how adults unify key during singing. Indicates that the subjects showed significant differences in starting pitches depending on the beginning pitch range and melody type and lowered or matched their leaders key when establishing a unified key.…

Determines what effect tonal-durational manipulations have on listeners' response to three specific categorical decision-types: (1) patterns are the same; (2) pattern K is a derivation of P; and (3) pattern K is distinctly different from P. Finds that item-pair 1 was identified as "same" whereas item-pairs 18-20 were identified as "distinctly…

Compares patterns of rubato usage in four performances of an excerpt from the Mozart Concerto Number 2 in Eb Major for Horn and Orchestra with assessments of musicianship. Indicates that: (1) rhythm is an important aspect of musicianship; and (2) the largest positive assessment change occurred simultaneously with the use of rubato. (CMK)

Explores the factors that may influence the decisions made by students aged 9-15 years old as they chose musical sounds and constructed compositions. Indicates that age, formal music training, and aesthetic response to musical sounds are the primary factors affecting specific choices made in the compositional process. (CMK)

Explores whether the tsumari phenomenon appears in the performance of keyboard instruments and maintains that tsumari will be severe among subjects with little music training. Finds that tsumari was seen most conspicuously in this beginner group. Concludes that the structural arrangement of the music plays an important role in the tsumari…

Examines the effect of repeated trials on children aged six to nine from different countries learning a new song. States that: (1) culture influences responses; (2) rote singing improves with age; (3) girls responses are better; and (4) children repeat rhythms more accurately before they can pitch match melodic contours and precise pitches. (CMK)

Evaluates whether preservice primary teachers' confidence to teach music might be influenced by their experiences in a music fundamentals course. Reveals that this type of course developed their musical knowledge and skills and provided them with a strong model for teaching strategies that, in the end, significantly affected their overall…