Curated OER
Instruments Used in Folk Music
In this folk music instruments worksheet, learners read about the banjo and the mandolin before they are presented with 2 activities they may complete to learn more about folk music.
Curated OER
Caribbean Music
In this music worksheet, students identify and describe various famous dances and music of the Caribbean. They respond to questions about each of the three types described in the activity.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Building Banjos
It is said that you can't play sad music on a banjo. Following the instructions for this science fair project, you can make your own rough banjo and see effect the resonator has on the sound. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up...
Other
Banjo Tablatures
This comprehensive site covers many aspects of bluegrass banjo music. It includes bluegrass news, information, history, trivia, and multimedia. Also includes lesson plans for banjo, sample tablatures, bibliographies, workshops, and...
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Other
David Holt: The Roots of Mountain Music
This is a short history of the major influences that have combined to create mountain music, one of which is minstrel music. Provides a good decription of minstrel music in general. Includes names and descriptions of specific songs,...
Other
Standing Stones: The Banjo
This website discusses the history and growing popularity of the banjo. Part of it was due to its use by the Virginia Minstrels who most likely introduced the instrument to Ireland and France during their tours.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Claude Mc Kay
This is a succinct biography of Claude McKay, infamous Harlem Renaissance poet who expressed the need for the African American community in America to speak out against racism. See "Claude McKay Activities" for related materials.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listening Library
At this resource listen to a selection of audio clips that feature the works of a full range of composers and a full orchestra of instruments. Scroll down an alphabetical list to find the composer or instrument you want, then choose the...
Other
Deering Banjo Company
This site from the Deering Banjo Company provides detailed information about banjos, and related links.
Other
The 6 String Banjo Puzzle
A brief description of the 6 string banjo and the differing opinions of whether this instrument is a guitar or a banjo.
Other
Thumbnail History of the Banjo
Site that focuses on the development of the banjo instrument, but also traces its role in minstrel shows of the 1800s. Offers different viewpoint of this genre.
Other
The Instruments of Celtic Music
Providing a brief overview of the most common instruments in Celtic music, this site also lists other links to search for further information.
New York Times
New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: Musical Instruments
An interactive and printable crossword puzzle developed by the New York Times Learning Network. The theme of this puzzle is Musical Instruments.
Other
The Mudcat Cafe: Bongos, Banjos, Fiddles and More
Use this site to learn more about how to construct bongos, banjos, fiddles and more.
Curated OER
Banjo Gent
This website discusses the history and growing popularity of the banjo. Part of it was due to its use by the Virginia Minstrels who most likely introduced the instrument to Ireland and France during their tours.
Curated OER
Bacon and Day Banjo
This website discusses the history and growing popularity of the banjo. Part of it was due to its use by the Virginia Minstrels who most likely introduced the instrument to Ireland and France during their tours.