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Ballet Austin

The History of Modern Dance

For Students 4th - 12th
The evolution of modern dance, and the dance history of many of the key figures in the development of this uniquely American form, are the focus of a 13-page packet that includes photos of revolutionaries.
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PBS

Pbs American Masters: Richard Rodgers

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has a comprehensive biography of the American composer. Site details Rodgers collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart and later work with Oscar Hammerstein. There is also the "Career Timeline" or the audio/video resources found...
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listen by Composer: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief overview of composer George Gershwin, accompanied with audio samples of his music.
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Naxos Digital Services

Naxos Digital Services: Composers

For Students 9th - 10th
From a major publisher of classical music, this website provides a brief biography and picture of literally hundreds of composers of classical music. The discographies at the bottom of each biography allow you to find CDs and often...
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PBS

Encyclopedia of Composers & Songwriters

For Students 9th - 10th
A great resource for learning about some of America's greatest composers and songwriters. From Irving Berlin to George Gershwin, among other, this resource provides biographies, pictures and some video.
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Other

Stephen Collins Foster: American Dreams

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a wealth of information about the American songwriter, Stephen Foster. This link leads you to the biographical information which is divided into five sections: beginnings, his life's work, the legend, the problems, and...
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PBS

Classics for Kids: Gershwin Biography

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief biography of American composer, George Gershwin.
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PBS

Pbs American Masters: John Cage

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about this unusual but creative modern classical composer. Highlighting his major works, this short biography explores his philosophy of music.
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PBS

Pbs: Broadway: The American Musical: Operetta

For Students 9th - 10th
As part of a larger look at the American musical, this brief look at the popularity of the operetta in the last part of the 19th century discusses why it was so popular with the middle class. Included is a short video that discusses...
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NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: A Centennial Tribute to Richard Rodgers

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Library of Congress

Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Other

Afrocentric Voices in Classical Music

For Students 9th - 10th
Visit this website for short biographies of some of the African American singers and composers who have contributed to the world of Classical music.
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland

For Students 3rd - 8th
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...
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PBS

Classics for Kids: William Grant Still

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
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PBS

Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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PBS

Classics for Kids: John Phillip Sousa

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Scott Joplin, Composer

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of the American ragtime pianist, Scott Joplin.
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PBS

Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan

For Students 9th - 10th
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Charles Ives

For Students 3rd - 8th
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...
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PBS

Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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PBS

Classics for Kids: Charles Ives

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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PBS

Classics for Kids: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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Black Past

Black Past: Joplin, Scott

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
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Classical Net

Classical Net: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
This well-written biography of Scott Joplin not only provides his progress as a musician but also the personal events in his life which influenced his music. Includes links to a complete list of Joplin's works, a MIDI archive, and site...