Music Education Articles for Teachers

When people hear music, they often begin to tap their feet or beat out a rhythm on an available surface with their palms or fingers. People improvise and make their own type of drums using whatever is available. Drums and drumming are an essential part of our world culture. You can explore the be...

The first time I brought music into one of my lessons was with 8th graders after reading My Dog Skip by Willie Morris. I had created a computer lab assignment where many project options were offered. One included researching the music from the WWII era (the timeframe covered in Morris' ...

After World War I, the landscape of America changed in many ways. There was a focus on leisure activities, music, and art. A population of artists whose voices hadn't been heard before came to the forefront. Writers, such as Langston Hughes, and singers, such as Lena Horne got widespread acclaim....

Lyrics in music can create imagery in the listener's mind, stir emotions, and at times, lend an epiphany. If you get the idea that you can feel, taste, and smell the images that are being described, chances are, you have been exposed to poetic devices. Poetic devices can, and should, be introduce...

Sometimes you find great information in unlikely places, such as the television show "Hannah Montana." This would not be the first place I'd look for songs about science-related curriculum, but Miley Cyrus and her dad have one that can help students learn the names of the bones in the skeletal sy...

Political protest through music did not start or stop in the 1960's.  However, this was a very significant time with one of the most complex generation gaps.  Rock and Roll was intrinsic to the political and social movement.  This generation was swept off its feet by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Marvin...

Music in the classroom has been an important tradition through the years.  It may take a little time to find the music that connects with your lesson or you may need to provide reasons why music is valuable for learning curriculum.  Perhaps you feel a little guilty for having that much fun in you...

The term "music theory" can be a little intimidating for some students. In truth, when I signed up for music theory in college, I had a sinking feeling the class would be extremely dry and boring. Well, it actually was, and most of my peers found the curriculum confusing and challenging. Now that...

For those of you who have heard of the phenomenon that is "Twilight", and the sequel "New Moon", you've already taken the first step into being in "the know". The series provides an instant bridge for the generation gap. Most pre-teens to teens have read, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyers, or have a...

Most teachers know that music and math are related, but how do we introduce this concept to young students.  It doesn't need to be a dry topic. You can make it an interesting experience, like the thrill you feel riding down the road, with the top of your car down, and the tunes blasting. Of cours...