Handout
Curated OER

English Folk Music

For Students 5th - 8th
In this English folk music worksheet, students read an article pertaining to the history of folk music in England from the times of the Industrial Revolution until the 1970s.
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Fun Music Company

Note Values

For Students 2nd - 12th
Note values are the focus of a short worksheet that asks young musicians to respond to short-answer questions and to complete a measure with notes of the appropriate value.
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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.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Black Diamond

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Score a home run with this packet of information on the very first player of the Negro League to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame — cultural groundbreaker and sports legend Satchel Paige. These worksheets include a...
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: California Gold: Northern California Folk Music: 1930s

For Students 9th - 10th
This online presentation, California Gold: Northern California Folk Music from the Thirties, comprises 35 hours of folk music recorded in 12 languages representing numerous ethnic groups and 185 musicians. It includes sound recordings,...
Handout
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Blues Music: Overview

For Students 9th - 10th
Overview and definition of blues music that developed in the southern United States in the early nineteenth century. Performers from Georgia include Ray Charles, Ma Rainey, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers.
Handout
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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PBS

Pbs American Masters: James Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
The career of "The Godfather of soul," is highlighted in this biographical sketch from PBS. One of the greatest performers in the 20th century, James Brown influenced the direction of black cultural music and dance. View video clips of...
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Other

Performing Songwriter: Richard Rodgers

For Students 9th - 10th
Uncover the story of a major player in American musical theater, Richard Rogers. Videos and details of his contributions and his partners support the impact he made to the profession.
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A&E Television

Biography: Harry Houdini

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a brief biography of Harry Houdini.
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Other

Jazz Roots: James Reese Europe

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is a detailed account of Lieutenant Jim Europe's life as a musician, his performances in New York City, and his impact upon the music scene. Includes links to relevant people, photos, and a personal account by a witness of...
Handout
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey

For Students 9th - 10th
Known as the Mother of Blues, Gertrude "Ma" Rainey performed in a traveling minstrel show for over twenty years before recording over 100 songs for Paramount records. Because of her legacy as a blues singer, she has been inducted into...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Whitney Houston

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Whitney Houston, an American singer and actress who was one of the best-selling musical performers of the 1980s and '90s.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Sam and Dave

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical details on Sam and Dave, the American vocal duo who were among the most popular performers of soul music in the late 1960s and whose gritty, gospel-drenched style typified the Memphis Sound.
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource features a brief biography about big band leader Duke Ellington. It includes some audio and video clips of his music.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Ike Turner

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical account of Ike Turner, the American rhythm-and-blues and soul performer, and producer who was best known for his work with Tina Turner.
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Fats Waller

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents a brief biography about jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller. Also featured in this resource are a couple of audio clips of his music.
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Eubie Blake

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz composer and pianist Eubie Blake is written about in this resource. It features a brief biography about his career and music.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Berry Gordy, Jr.

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Berry Gordy, Jr., an American businessman, founder of the Motown Record Corporation (1959), which became the most successful black-owned music company in the...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Prince

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Prince, a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, dancer, and performer on keyboards, drums, and bass who was among the most talented American musicians of his generation. Like Stevie...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Al Green

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Al Green, an American singer-songwriter who was the most popular performer of soul music in the 1970s. By further transforming the essential relationship in soul music between the sacred...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Horace Silver

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Horace Silver, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, exemplary performer of what came to be called the hard bop style of the 1950s and '60s. The style was an extension of...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: The Temptations

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features the Temptations, an American vocal group noted for their smooth harmonies and intricate choreography. Recording primarily for Motown Records, they were among the most popular performers of...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, an American vocal group that helped define the Motown sound of the 1960s and was led by one of the most gifted and influential singer-songwriters in...