Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz
Smithsonian Jazz is home to several online exhibits, an interactive "Duke Ellington class," recordings, publications, oral histories, and similar resources.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: What Is Jazz?
This eight-page tutorial on jazz answers several basic questions (what is jazz, how did it develop) and keeps the topic of the tutorial focused within the realm of the African American understanding of jazz and focusing on its impact on...
New York Times
New York Times: Listening to Jazz C Ds With Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, legendary tenor saxophonist, invites us to listen to selections from four of his favorite jazz performances. Hear snipets of these jazz classics from the 1930s and 1940s: "Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" (Fats...
Other
Visual Jazz Publications
This company produces educational materials to help you succeed in jazz improvisation and sight reading. Of note on their site is "The Art of Improvisation," a free download that guides you through the improvisational process.
Other
Alien Travel Guide: Musical Styles
A descriptive site on the many styles of music. There is information on everything from chamber music to rap.
PBS
Pbs: Sweet Old Song (The Music of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong)
Learn about and listen to jazz, blues, folk, and country musician Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong and his roots in America's musical past. "Sweet Old Song" tells the story of the music and art partnership between Armstrong and his...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature and Composition: The Harlem Renaissance
This lesson is an introduction to a unit on The Harlem Renaissance, the period between the end of WW I through mid 1930s when African Americans were recognized for their literature, music, and art. It discusses their themes and lists...
Library of Congress
Loc: First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald
This article about the life and music of Ella Fitzgerald explores major moments in the jazz singer's career.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Duke Ellington
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
Other
Famous Singers
Biographical profiles of famous singers in major musical genres. Includes photo and links to snippets of their songs.
New York Times
New York Times: Ellington at 100
Celebrating the life and career of jazz legend Duke Ellington, this New York Times site features many articles about him. With a slideshow and pictures, you will learn all about this giant of jazz.