One of the most immediate problems confronting the instrumental teacher of today is that presented by the string section of the orchestra. In the years between 1925 and 1935 the number of string orchestras. In the high schools of this country gradually dwindled until in most small or medium size high schools and in a great many of the larger ones it disappeared entirely. However, it is now encouraging to note that the increased emphasis being placed on the string program in teacher-training institutions is producing direct results in the development of a re-awakened interest in the public school orchestra. In many schools where no string program existed a few years ago there is now evidence which shows that a return to orchestral study is well on its way to becoming an important curricular functions. / "August, 1954." / Typescript. / Advisor: Robert L. Briggs, Professor Directing Paper. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education." / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-38).

The purpose of this thesis is to integrate for the prospective teacher still in college, and the teacher in service, the theory and practice of the leading band teachers in the country through the medium of the ensemble class method.

No description available.

Instrumental music classes in the public schools of Tulsa, Oklahoma, have experienced a phenomenal growth during the past twenty years. Prior to this period, opportunity for instrumental music expression was limited to the high school band and orchestra,which rehearsed outside of school hours. No instruction other than this was provided and the student who wished to play in the school band or orchestra studied first from private instructors. In this study the investigator has examined a great many devices for measuring capacities and aptitudes which are known to the profession. He has attempted to evaluate these procedures in the light of sound educational philosophy. He has set forth a plan which he believes will materially improve the instrumental program through discovering unsuspected musical capacity and through sound guidance in the selection of suitable instruments.

It is the purpose of this thesis to present an evaluated list of instrumental methods in order that'this material may serve as a useful and beneficial guide toward the selection of methods for the students and teachers of stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

The purpose of the present study is three-fold in its nature: (1). To determine, by means of interviews and questionnaires, the attitudes of school administrators toward the various aspects of the instrumental music program; (2). To interpret these attitudes in the light of modern music education; (3). To make recommendations for the improvement of the instrumental music program with respect to the findings of the study.

This study was an investigation of the effects of guided listening upon instrumental music performances of junior college students. The study also sought to discover possible significant relationships between perception and performance variables. It was concluded that the guided listening program was ineffective in improving music performances of junior college students. It was recommended that (a) this study be replicated utilizing string, voice, and piano students, (b) an experimental study be made to investigate the effects of music theory instruction upon music performance, (c) an experimental study be made to investigate the effects of music history instruction upon music performance, and (d) an investigation be made of the Abeles performance constructs interpretation, tone, rhythm-continuity, intonation, tempo, and articulation, in an effort to ascertain ways in which expression of these constructs may be improved.

There is no abstract available for this thesis.

The problem and purpose of this study is to attempt to establish a reasonably accurate basis for planning a program of educating prospective public school instrumental music teachers that meets the demands of present-day educational practices in the public schools. This present study may provide a simplification of the methods of teaching instrumental classes at the college level through a criticism of the preparation of instrumental teachers in an effort to discover specific contributing elements that assist the instrumental teacher to teach economically and effectively by making an investigation into the factors involved in teaching techniques that depend upon the acquisition of instrumental performance skills and upon practical principles of procedure in organizing and teaching instrumental music in the public schools.

Although this paper will attempt to answer numerous questions pertaining to the junior high and elementary instrumental music program it is hoped that it will be especially beneficial to one particular area or community. That area will be comprised of the Shenandoah Junior High School, Miami, and its three neighboring elementary schools. The instrumental music organizations in the high school and the junior high school of this community have enjoyed serving the cultural and aesthetic potential of both its students and parents for many years. The community in turn has responded by enthusiastically supporting both a band and an orchestral program in these two schools. / Advisor: Robert L. Briggs, Professor Directing Paper. / "A Paper." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education." / Includes bibliographical references.