Murphy, Sarah Jane

There is a lack of creative material for classroom
and music teachers to use. Teachers do not often have the
creative ability or the time required to create their own
materials; therefore, the author felt a need existed for an
in-depth study of elementary music programs.
The themes of the programs chosen were such that
they correlate closely with social study units. Considerable
research was conducted to find the most appropriate songs and
dances from many sources. Vhen there were none, the author
composed or created new material which was made available for
elementary teachers. These programs may be adapted to meet
the needs of individual schools. Teachers could modify or
expand them to meet their own classroom situations.
It was discovered that there was little related
literature directed to the problem of preparing music programs
for the elementary school. Dissertation Abstracts, issues of
the Journal of Research in Music Education and Music Educators
Journal were reviewed and it was found that an apparent void
existed in this area. Additional programs may be developed
in many other areas of the elementary music curriculum by
those who are interested in this area of research.