Curated OER
Jazz and World War II: A Rally to Resistance, A Catalyst for Victory
Students examine the impact of WWII on the development of jazz music and consider how jazz music helped to boost morale of both soldiers and those left at home. They identify the function of jazz as a cultural export and discuss its...
Institut Obert de Catalunya
20th Century Music: Jazz
A 67-page packet provides instructors with a complete course in the history of Jazz. Lessons look at the roots of jazz in early 20th century African American communities in the southern United States and continues to the New Orleans...
Curated OER
Country's Music
Jazz, Blue Grass, Hip Hop, Swing. Gospel, R&B, Ragtime, Disco. So many music genres born in the USA. After reading an article about the fate of New Orlean's Jazz after Hurricane Katrina, class members investigate the life cycles of...
Curated OER
Improvise a Short Story through Jazz
Learners evaluate jazz music and a jazz music performance. They collaborate and create an improvised group short story. They improvise a musical piece on found objects.
Curated OER
International Jazz Day
In this International Jazz Day instructional activity, students complete activities such as reading a passage, phrase matching, fill in the blanks, correct words, multiple choice, spelling, sequencing, scrambled sentences, writing...
Curated OER
Louis Armstrong
In this reading comprehension worksheet students read a biography of jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Students answer 6 questions.
Curated OER
Act 3: New York Introduction 1924-1925, Louis Armstrong
Students listen to and examine jazz recordings and listen for features (breaks and obbligato) that are typical of jazz music. In groups, they make up a short blues song of their own.
Curated OER
Jazz: An Expression of Cooperation - Lesson 3
Pupils describe ways in which the principles of students or citizens working together are interrelated with those of musicians working together. They demonstrate their knowledge of the concept of "swing" in various jazz styles.
Curated OER
Louis Armstrong Hot Five
Students investigate the history and development of jazz by studying the Louis Armstrong Hot Five. They listen to music and define how Armstrong strengthened the concept of the solo as a part of jazz. They complete guided listening lessons.
Curated OER
Now's the Time, Charlie Parker Now's the Time, Eddie Jefferson
Learners delve into the music of bebop style jazz and the life and talents of some of the great musicians. The styles of Charlie Parker and James Moody are compared and contrasted in this lesson.
Curated OER
Listen Up! Swinging with some Big Band Music
Students read about the music and life of Glenn Miller. They listen to Miller's "Jeep Jockey Jump" and analyze the piece for instrumentation, formal structure and stylistic characteristics.
Curated OER
A Night in Tunisia
Students discuss musical instruments common to jazz and compare several songs by various artists. They identify musical grooves common to jazz music. They compare a string quartet to a traditional jazz group.
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.
Other
Benny Goodman: The Official Website of the King of Swing
Read comprehensive biographical information about Benny Goodman, including achievements, discography, and facts about his life and career as a jazz musician.
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Benny Goodman, King of Swing
Access an article in the "New York Times" from June 14, 1986, announcing the death of jazz musician, Benny Goodman.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Teddy Wilson
Part of the larger site, Jazz by PBS and Ken Burns, this page highlights the life of Teddy Wilson, one of the first black musicians to play with prominently white artists. Biographical information is from the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Fletcher Henderson 1897 1952
Uncover biographical facts about African American jazz musician, Fletcher Henderson, who formed the first big band orchestra in the early 1920s.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
Lots of information on Benny Goodman with links to related subjects: his music, his band members, his bands and orchestras.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Louis Armstrong
Offers interesting biographical details on jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, a 1990 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzie Gillespie helped create a new form of modern jazz called be-bop. It was the predecessor of hip-hop that is so popular today.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Benny Goodman
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1996 to commemorate famous jazz musician Benny Goodman. With a short biographical passage.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billie Holiday
Examine the life and historical contributions of renown jazz vocalist and Pennsylvania native, Billie Holiday in this concise biography.