Music Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Note Highlighting On Note Identification Accuracy In Beginning Band Students, Thomas R. Knowles

Graduate Research Papers

This study was completed in the spring of 2025 and is based on the effectiveness of colored notation in music reading in beginning band students. An extensive literature review was conducted that supports the usage of color in educational material. Extensive research has been done on color in music education, and that research was used in this study. This study’s primary question is how color affects student note-reading. The hypothesis generated for the study is that students who receive highlighted notes see improvement in their note-reading compared to those who do not. The method used in this study was a …

The Music Education Gender Divide At The University Of Northern Iowa, Abigail Wendland

Honors Program Theses

While anyone with proper training can direct a band well, the definitive stereotype in music education is that male directors are the default. Women face a multitude of challenges when going into the field because of this stereotype, which is the direct result of decades of prejudice that are now historical tradition. These challenges include the perceived need to adopt a male persona while on the podium, the challenges of working as a public school band director while being a mother, and the guilt that accompanies many women in the field. Obstacles such as these have strongly contributed to the …

An Examination Of Teacher Perceptions Of Student Retention In Choir When Transitioning Between 8th And 9th Grade, Megan Mccrary

Graduate Research Papers

This study was conducted over the course of 10 weeks through an online survey sent to public high school and middle school choral educators across Iowa and gathered data about choir student transitions into 9th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. 38 choir teachers across the state of Iowa participated in this study. Eligibility for participation required that the teachers had taught either 8th or 9th grade choir during the Spring 2024 semester or the Fall 2024 semester. Simple main effects analysis showed that neither students changing buildings nor students changing instructors had a statistically significant effect on student enrollment. …

Equity In Harmony: Music Teacher Preparedness And Perceptions Of Multilingual Learners In The Midwest, Mckenzie Vick

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions music teachers in the Midwest have regarding working with multilingual students, how music education benefits their multilingual students, and how they perceive the struggles their multilingual students have regarding music education. The study was a qualitative study in which 5 teachers were interviewed on their perceptions. The study found that music teachers see many benefits of music education for multilingual students including: building a sense of belonging, helping with language learning, having a non-academic outlet, and providing additional socialization opportunities. It also found that teachers did not feel prepared to …

Concert Band Methods And Supplemental Ensemble Material For The High School Band, Carissa Blumka

Honors Program Theses

In a school band setting, most music educators will begin a rehearsal with a warm-up routine. When a unified group warm-up is desired, rather than allowing open time for students to warm up individually, a resource is needed. Many supplemental method books and materials have been published to provide exercises to organize this desired ensemble warm-up. After physically preparing students to play through a warm-up, many effective band directors choose to devote additional rehearsal time to the development of fundamental musical skills. Though much of the school band curriculum is taught through the repertoire selected for the ensemble to perform, …

Experiences Of Women High School Band Directors In Iowa, Karina Kelso

Graduate Research Papers

Women high school band directors in the state of Iowa may experience teaching in secondary band programs differently than men high school band directors. Previous research has shown that women have faced many challenges in music education, particularly in teaching high school band. Four women band directors from different school class sizes and currently teaching in Iowa were interviewed about their teaching experiences to collect data using a qualitative case study design. My findings support the literature reviewed in suggesting that women band directors in secondary band programs in Iowa may be treated differently than men band directors by experiencing …

Addressing The Accessibility Gap In Music: A Review Of The Literature, Rachel Ann Vaughan

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Learning And Literacy In Music: Activities For Integrating Children's Literature Into The Elementary General Music Curriculum, Taryn Jeanette Kroymann

Honors Program Theses

In summary, there is plenty of evidence that supports the use of reading children’s literature in a music classroom. While this concept certainly is starting to gain more traction, the purpose of this thesis is to provide a starting point for educators that have not yet begun to take advantage of the rich abundance of content that is found in such literature, or to assist educators who simply want more ideas and evidence to support their teaching choices. In order to improve our teaching and provide as best of an education as we can to our students, we must utilize …

An Investigation Of The Assessment Practices Of Elementary General Music Teachers In Iowa, Michelle Linn Hyde Swanson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Assessment, leading to informed decisions, is an integral part of music education and may be a means to justify the importance of music as a valued content subject (Brophy, 2000). The purpose of this study was to describe the elementary general music assessment practices in Iowa. The study was framed using Stiggins’ (2005) categorical definition of assessment as gathering, organizing, summarizing, and reporting data. Mixed methodologies were utilized to gather data regarding these four categories through survey questions (N=211) and two focus group discussions. The participants were from a variety of school district sizes as well as teachers with varying …

To Make A Better Music School, Alissandra Henkle

Honors Program Theses

This paper seeks to examine the elements that make an effective and high quality School of Music that prepares students for success beyond graduation. Through interviews with University of Northern Iowa (UNI) School of Music faculty, a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge currently emphasized in the music core at UNI was gained. A survey of UNI School of Music alumni provided an understanding of how well the current mix of skills and knowledge align with those that are necessary in the work force. Through this research, an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to work in the …

Observations Of Music And Literacy In Early Childhood Education, Ann Strom

Honors Program Theses

Students spend as many as nineteen years in a classroom by the time they are twenty-two. They have countless teachers who all teach in a different style and say that it is the best way for their students to learn. Students have experienced classrooms where they are given a lecture for an hour and then expected to know and understand the content when the test comes. They have also experienced classrooms where they are up and moving, creating models, doing research, or conducting experiments, throughout the class to come to an understanding to share with their peers on the topic …

The Development Of Musical Improvisation In Second Grade Children, Akiko Yoshizawa

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate if second-grade children could develop a solo improvisation on an Orff xylophone. Participants were five African-American children who attended a model school that followed an inquiry-based approach curriculum. These children also had a chance to learn music from a faculty and the researcher, who had been exploring constructivist methods of teaching music, with a special emphasis on invented songs, instruments, and notations. The three-day study focused on how children were able to create a solo improvisation. The study was guided by the following questions: (1) Can second grade children develop …

Musically Mainstreamed: Mainstreaming In Elementary General Music Classrooms, Kelsey Rae Ternes

Honors Program Theses

Music educators interact with a wide range of students with varying levels of abilities. Numerous research studies outline a variety of teaching models and methods aimed at creating a successful classroom environment for all children, regardless of their capabilities. This survey research investigated current practices in which special education teaching methods pertain to elementary music educators in Iowa and the relationship of these practices to the current research literature. Research participants anonymously responded online regarding the atmosphere of special education in their school and music classroom, the support given to them in regards to mainstreaming efforts, and the strategies that …

Jazz And Gender : Teaching Improvisation To Girls, Valerie A. Shanley

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons that girls do not pursue advanced jazz education and to suggest teaching strategies that could encourage greater female participation. I have observed that the number of female students is approximately equal to that of the male students in concert band, and in a concert band setting these girls do seem to advance more quickly than boys. Through literature review and interviews with music educators and female jazz musicians, this study will examine whether some of the teaching techniques that allow girls to succeed in concert band could be adapted to …

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: The Effects Of Using Music With Young Children, Eileen Heck

Graduate Research Papers

One way for children to experience music and develop early literacy skills is through nursery rhymes such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. This project addresses the benefits of using music with young children and the importance of professional development with early childhood educators. More and more research is being done to explore and study the effects of music with young children. It is becoming evident that music has many benefits that can enhance young children's lives. Some of these benefits include expanding children's communication skills, building oral language skills, developing phonological awareness skills, and extending concepts of print. Some …

Music And The Brain, Kimberly D. Madison

Graduate Research Papers

A great deal of literature focuses on the subject of music and the brain and how music can affect learning. Music stimulates brain patterns, and therefore should be considered essential in an academic setting. This review was written to provide an analysis of the published literature and studies in the area of music and cognitive development, to examine how the brain is wired for music, and to determine whether music is an effective tool in enhancing environmental and cognitive learning conditions in classrooms.

The Effects Of Using Music And Movement To Enhance Learning, Lisa L. Snitker

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the effects of using music and movement to enhance learning in early childhood years and in the elementary classroom. Information includes Howard Gardner's musical and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences, the effects of music on brain development in infants and children, studies in the effects of music on spatial-temporal reasoning, how music affects learning in the early childhood and primary years, and the effects of music on special learners. Appropriate for parents, caregivers, and educators, this review provides the basis for incorporating music into everyday early childhood and classroom experiences.

The Sounds Of Silence : Music Education And Academic Achievement, Donny Brazile

Graduate Research Papers

This research began with the author's firsthand experience with regard to the value of music education. Very few deny the benefits of music education and its connection to academic achievement. In a recent poll administered by the Gallup Organization, 95 percent of Americans believe music to be a cornerstone of a quality education, and over 75 percent of those polled suggested that music education should be mandated by the schools. However, far too many music education programs are being cut, or are in grave danger of being cut, from the curriculum nationwide. Research clearly shows the importance of music education: …

Music That Teaches, Susan L. Carroll

Graduate Research Papers

Not many materials for librarians are available in a participatory form. Most materials are available for presentation. But research has shown that affective learning, which allows students to participate, has had a positive effect on young children learning their basic skills. This research project will be used for participation. The research project used the standards, benchmarks, and objectives found in library curricula for kindergarten through third graders. These standards were the basis of the lyrics to the songs. Music was composed to complement the lyrics and a songbook was designed which included these songs, illustrations, and suggestions for activities to …

Music And Software Piracy : Issues And Solutions For Music Teachers And Media Intensive Educators, Chad Criswell

Graduate Research Papers

The rampant piracy of digital materials is not just a problem for the individual home user. In today's world it is increasingly a concern for educators and their school district as a whole. Many recent court actions have been brought against school districts based the illegal use of unlicensed software and other copyrighted materials. This project presents the issues of music and software piracy and the legalities of the United States Copyright Act. It presents common examples for use in the music or media intensive classroom, as well as legal usage requirements including the payment of royalties and purchase of …

Technology, At-Risk Intervention & The Music Classroom, Kurt M.J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will provide an overview of the music technologies available for students, address how the National Standards for music education are fulfilled by utilizing technology in the music classroom, and discuss how technology applications can aid learning in the music classroom. There will also be a description of several technology based workstations for the music classroom.

New Computer Software, Cd-Roms, And Videodiscs In K-12 Music Education: What Music Educators And Media Specialists Need To Know : A Selected Annotated Bibliography, Brent A. Andrews

Graduate Research Papers

This study identified new music education resources in CD-Rom, videodisc, and computer software formats created from 1990-1995. Each item was evaluated according to its effectiveness in meeting the three different domains of learning; affective, cognitive, and psychomotor. The study also identified items that exhibited multicultural diversity. The resulting annotated bibliography lists twenty-two resources with critical evaluations of use to music teachers and library media specialists.

Verbal Rehearsal Methods And Their Effects On Expressive Music Performance: A Comparison Of Verbal Explanation And Transformational Verbal Imagery, Leonard M. Upham

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine if use of transformational verbal imagery rehearsal methods, when compared to use of methods based on verbal explanation, resulted in (a) higher levels of expressive performance by wind quintets and (b) greater appreciation of the composition by quintet members.

The study used a posttest-only control-group design. Thirty high school brass and/or woodwind quintets were randomly assigned to experimental groups (n = 15) or control groups (n = 15). A composition rich in expressive aspects of music was used. Each quintet had three rehearsals. The first rehearsal dealt with the technical aspects of …

Music Listening: Enjoyment As A Function Of Repetition (Grades One Through Six), Debra Ann Barschow

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

One of the basic principles of music education is to expose students to music so that they can have the opportunity to enjoy it and accept it as part of their lives. This study investigated how repetition of a musical selection affects musical enjoyment for children in grades 1 through 6. The study also considered the process of directed listening as a variable which may cause additional effects when repeating musical selections. The 194 students in grades 1 through 6 at Sacred Heart School in Waterloo, Iowa participated in the study. These students were representative of white, middle-class families and …

A Series Of Compositions, With Preparatory Exercises, Utilizing Contemporary Compositional Techniques, For Use In The Elementary Classroom, Paul D. Brizzi

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This series of original compositions, with preparatory exercises, is a creative project designed to complement the available contemporary music repertoire written specifically for the elementary classroom.

Guides To Teaching Concepts Of Music For The Self-Contained-Classroom Teacher At The Primary Level, C. Elaine Kinsinger Clark

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study was initiated to deal with a problem faced by the teacher of the self-contained elementary classroom. She cannot be equally well-prepared to teach all subjects. Music frequently is poorly taught or neglected by the teacher who feels musically inadequate. It was the purpose of this study to provide materials for these teachers so that they might teach music more effectively.

A Critical Survey Of Recently Published Beginning Piano Methods, Margretta Denouden

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pedagogy and materials greatly influence the results of all teaching. Changing cultural standards bring changing pedagogical techniques. Piano playing is no longer a luxury for the talented few, but rather a musical activity in which many participate. Today's piano teacher needs a method that achieves quick mastery because many attractive activities compete with piano practice for children's time.

The Relationship Of The High School Music Program To The Post-High School Musical Activities Of Selected Graduates Of Decorah High School, Decorah, Iowa, Classes Of 1940, 1945 And 1950, Elton Dresselhaus

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

An investment of time, money, or energy is frequently followed by an evaluation of the nature and worth of the project in terms of the results obtained. This study deals with the field of music education which represents a large scale investment on the part of the American public, an investment of time, money, and energy. It is appropriate on occasion, therefore, to consider the high school music program with regard to the value it has for the student and the community in which it is located. What are the values involved and how effective is the high school music …

Guides For The Elementary Teacher In The Playing Of Selected Simple Rhythmic, Melodic And Harmonic Instruments, Lorraine Salome Augustyn

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

"There are no first, second, third fourth, fifth or sixth graders in the elementary schools of Appleton, Wisconsin. Children are ungraded. They are neither promoted nor failed. They do not receive report cards. Under Appleton's Continuous Progress Plan, youngsters move along as fast as their individual abilities can take them. Free from the artificial limits of grade requirements they push on beyond these arbitrary boundaries. In the process they meet the toughest competitive challenge in the world--the challenge to achieve their highest capacity.'

Thus, does Arthur Morse describe the educational philosophy of the Appleton Elementary Public Schools. This philosophy is …

A Handbook For The Production Of Operettas In Small Secondary Schools, Thomas Eugene Curtis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study has been to examine the various problems attendant to the production of operettas, with recommended procedures for solutions to these problems, and with particular attention to those problems inherent in the smaller secondary schools. An attempt has been made to operate on the most practical level with theoretical explanations being confined to the minimum.