Curated OER
A Celebration of Africa
Students investigate early African civilizations. They create Kufi hats, musical instruments, pottery and African masks, sing songs, play African studenT games, and participate in a feast and tour of a museum where their artwork is...
Curated OER
African Music
In this music instructional activity, students read an excerpt about African Music. Once completed, they respond to eight short answer questions related to the reading. Students also imagine that they are an African musician and suggest...
Curated OER
African Dance and Song
Students participate in a Zulu song game. They listen to African music and discover that is is a part of the culture, ceremonies, and dances. Students learn the dance/song, "Vulani Ringi Ring," and practice it after memorizing the words.
Curated OER
Music of the Civil Rights Era, 1954-1968
Students experience the aesthetics of music and learn about freedom songs that motivated the Civil Rights activists. In this music history lesson, students learn how music can motivate and move listeners. Students then describe how...
Digital Public Library of America
Women and the Blues
A 12-piece primary source packet sets the tone for a study of the role women played in the origins, development, and impact of blues music. Legends like Bessie Smith, Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Mamie Smith, and Ida Cox are featured, as are...
Curated OER
African Drumming - Repetition of Patterns
Students are introduced to basic patterns used in African drumming. They listen to examples of drumming by Kundidzora Azim, participate in chants and repeat demonstrated rhythms as a class.
Curated OER
African American Scavenger Hunt
In this African American music history worksheet, students research the history of African American music. Students then answer the fifteen questions.
PBS
Hidden Messages in Spirituals
Slaves laboring in the cotton fields of the old South singing joyously may have convinced overseers that their workforce was happy and content, but in truth, these spirituals contained secret codes. After viewing a short video about...
Curated OER
Introduction to African Culture Through Music & Dance
Students explore various elements in West African Culture through the medium of a traditional music and dance from Ghana. They take an imaginary tour of a village dance-drumming event in West Africa.
Penguin Books
Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald
A reading of Tanya Lee Stones' biography of Ella Fitzgerald lets middle schoolers get up close and personal with the First Lady of Jazz. Stone recounts details of Fitzgerald's life from her early days through her experiences as a teenage...
Look! We're Learning!
Ella Fitzgerald Biography Mini-Unit
Before there was Beyonce, before there was Madonna, before there was Cher, there was Ella. Introduce Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady of Jazz, with a reading comprehension exercise that presents a brief biography of her life and then asks...
Curated OER
Native American
In this music worksheet, pupils identify and describe the Native Americans. They respond to several questions about the music of the Native Americans and their dancing. Students also identify and name various musical signs and symbols...
Curated OER
Artistic Influence - Lesson 3
Students discuss how musicians' messages can influence society. They think of examples of artistic expression in music, the visual arts, dance, and theater that can lead to a society's self-examination.
Curated OER
Memorable Singer 1929-1949
Students examine how Louis Armstrong's fame spread from the African American community to the whole world. They examine how his singing style influenced both popular and jazz musicians by participating in guided listening of his musical...
Curated OER
Africa
Students will participate in a popular song game of the Zulu People. This lesson helps children understand how music, ceremonies and dance are an important part of African culture.
Curated OER
Green, Green, Green
First graders trave around the world celebrating St. Patty's Day and all things green! First, we start of in Ireland and travel our way down to Mexico for some green guacamole. They study dances from the two places.
Curated OER
Zora Neale Hurston, the WPA, and the Cross City Turpentine Camp
Students listen to a statement about Zora Neale Hurston's essay, "Turpentine" and discuss if they agree or disagree with it. They work in groups to record information supporting their position.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Singing, Making of African American Identity: V. 3
An analysis of the role music played in the civil rights movement. The well known spiritual, "We Shall Overcome," is referenced as playing a key role in supporting this movement.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is featured on this PBS site. Find out about her life and musical career. Be sure to check out the interactive career timeline as well.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Elmore James
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Elmore James, an American blues singer-guitarist noted for the urgent intensity of his singing and guitar playing. He was a significant influence on the development of rock music.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.