Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Other
Inkpot: Johann Sebastian Bach
This site is a tribute to the great composer. Includes some biographical history, pictures of the places he performed, and commentary on his works.
Other
Lute Harpsichord: A Forgotten Instrument
Interesting website on the lute-harpsichord, which is called "one of Bach's favorite keyboard instruments." Provides an in-depth history of this "forgotten instrument" and the ordinary lute.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Performance Today
This is a clever feature of National Public Radio's website. Each day of the year several events related to classical music that occurred on that date in history are listed.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Features comprehensive biographical details on "the most successful composer of our time", Andrew Lloyd Weber. His play, "The Phantom of the Opera", is the longest running musical in Broadway history and he has won an Oscar, a Golden...
PBS
Pbs: The Blues as Poetry
Discover what the relationship is between poetry and the blues. This site features lesson plans and online resources.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Paul Mc Cartney
Interesting biographical information about Paul McCartney, the "most successful musician, and composer in popular music history".
Other
Ascap Official Website
The official site by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Of interest is the history of ASCAP as well as articles for those wanting to learn more about the music business.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns
The companion website for a documentary film about jazz is home to a storehouse of resources and unique features about the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of jazz. With a timeline of key events in the history of jazz,...
PBS
Pbs: Jazz Timeline
With this timeline, learn about how the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racial oppression impacted the rise of jazz in America. Also highlights the achievements of women, including Viola Smith in this world of music....
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.
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.
Other
Stephen Schwartz
A biography and partial listing of the works of Stephen Schwartz, composer. He also wrote lyrics for the two Disney musicals Pocahontas and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Stevie Wonder
A brief biographical sketch of Stevie Wonder, an African-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.
PBS
Pbs: Biography of Dizzy Gillespie
This PBS biography about trumpeter and jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie includes photos, multiple audio features, and links within the text to other famous musicians.
Other
The Aria Database
The searchable Aria Database features over 1,200 arias from 170 operas by 60 composers. It includes lyrics, translations, synopses of operas, and MIDI files.
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
Northern Arizona University
Sonata Allegro Outline
This is an outline for the development of Sonota-Allegro form and the placement of sonota pieces in music. Great site of the aspiring composer.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Haydn
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart shows students photos and details of Haydn's life, general information about the time period and the classical orchestra.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Mozart's 250th Birthday
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart is a brief overview of Mozart's life, celebrating his 250th birthday on January 27, 2006 and includes Activote questions for assessment.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Games
Compose your own music, match the rhythm, form words with notes, and learn more about music and history in these games to teach students about classical music.
Broward Education Foundation
Broward Education Foundation: Creative Canjos [Pdf]
Creative Canjos is an interdisciplinary unit that teaches American History through Folk Art and Folk Music. The students began the project in Art class. They were introduced to American Folk Art through a teacher made iMovie. The iMovie...