Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Famous Americans: John Philip Sousa
Learn brief information on John Philip Sousa, famous American band leader who is featured on the two cent postage stamp.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Placido Domingo
One of the most popular opera singers today, Placido Domingo is discussed on this American Masters web site by PBS. Including a biography, a short list of his major works and a video, you will certainly learn more about this great singer.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Other
The American Bandmasters Association
This is the website for the American Bandmasters Association which "is a select group of some 260 members and 60 associate members who have been recognized as outstanding concert band teachers/conductors [and] composers." Here, there are...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: The Blues
Examples of the blues inspired by the African American migration to Northern cities. These lyrics and audio clips explores the reasons for, and effects of, these migrations.
American Forum for Global Education
American Forum for Global Education: Haiku as a Cultural Icon
These detailed lesson plans let students research about Shiki and Haiku, compose on their own poetry, and learn about Japanese culture.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Centennial Tribute to Richard Rodgers
This site has a concise summary of the contributions of composer Richard Rodgers to American music and theater. Centennial tribute provides a brief biography and extensive exploration of the musical influences which shaped Rodgers career.
PBS
Pbs: Duke Ellington's Washington
This site explores the life of Duke Ellington, as well as the strong African-American community that flourished in Washington, D.C., during the time that Ellington lived there (1899-1923).
Other
The Official George & Ira Gershwin Web Site
Brothers George and Ira Gershwin had a large impact on American music. Visit their official website that includes biographies, a timeline and a jukebox to listen to their music.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Charles Ives
This resource provides information on Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). This American composer's job, and source of income, was actually running an insurance agency. He would compose and play music at night, after work. Use this site to learn...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: History Wired: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington
Learn about the great big band leader Duke Ellington at this informative website. This site highlights his life and career in a well written article.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin
A short biography of Scott Joplin (1868-1917 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein
A short biography of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Charles Ives
A short biography of Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: George Gershwin
A short biography of George Gershwin (1898-1937 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Black Past
Black Past: Joplin, Scott
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
Library of Congress
Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Did you know that the song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is over one hundred years old? Find out why this song has enjoyed lasting popularity. Includes an image of the artwork for the sheet music of this song.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke's Music Class
Learn about jazz from the master, Duke Ellington. Three activities explore his role as jazz composer, orchestra leader, and pianist.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Leonard Bernstein Collection
This site from the Library of Congress provides information on perhaps the most important American musical figure of the 20th century has over 400,000 items housed in the Library of Congress. Photographs, his famous Young People's...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Ela Unit: Grade K: A Is for America
Students read informational and literary texts in order to gather information about people, events, symbols, and ideas that are representative of the United States of America. Students begin to develop an understanding of the United...
Read Works
Read Works: Famous African Americans Duke Ellington
[Free Registration/Login Required] This passage contains biographical information about the famous jazz composter, Duke Ellington. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
PBS
Classics for Kids: Aaron Copland "Hoe Down"
Several radio shows with music clips regarding "Rodeo" and other works by Copland. Click to a short biography.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: William Grant Still
This resource describes how William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE) started out playing the violin and then began teaching himself to play other string instruments as well as the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. His most famous work is...
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