hnological skills. Studies have shown that, where music is a part of a student's curriculum, other disciplines benefit.
At the same time, music education has proven to be an excellent mediator of cultural values. In Southern California's high schools, the probability of an homogenous student body is practically nil: at least three (usually four) major ethnic groups will be identified, two to three economic strata usually share the same halls - and curriculum. Music, particularly known for its appeal to teenage youth, can be a divisive element if the students are left untutored in its qualities: rap versus salsa, heavy metal versus dance music, etc. Unfortunately, the near-comedic intensity of teenagers' devotion to musical styles can easily become a tinderbox for violence among peer groups.
Unless the role of music is utilized. Within the context of a music education program, students from every peer group learn the characteristics - and appreciation - of the basic forms beneath all genres of music. Through learning comes tolerance, through education comes understanding: Music is color-blind, ethnic deaf and unimpressed by economic status.
Rarely in the course of history has a single piece of equipment so changed the shape of everyday life - and education - in such a short time as the computer. The personal computer was introduced in the late 1970s - and has since combined with technological advances to give individuals access to the "byte power" only large corporations could have afforded only a decade ago. The future of employment in America revolves around end-user computer literacy.
For the educator, the opportunities opened up by computers are phenomenal - and cost-effective. An entire library of classic literary greats can be assembled on a single personal computer-d
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