Curated OER
A New Twist on the Keyboard
Elementary learners design and construct a diagram of a keyboard on the floor of the classroom. They outline the keyboard in masking tape by estimating size, proportion, and key position. Then they can interact with the giant keyboard as...
Curated OER
Dan, the Flying Man Comes to Our Town
Students listen to a story called Dan, the Flying Man. Students then make a class book describing what Dan would fly over if he came to town. Students illustrate the book using watercolor paints. Students write their stories using a word...
University of Michigan
U.michigan: Keyboard Temperament Analyzer
Features a downloadable spreadsheet for analyzing keyboard temperaments. Requires a bit of physics knowledge.
Other
Tb on Web: Alternate Temperaments Theory and Philosophy
Explanation of various keyboard tunings, and why modern Western music uses "equal temperament."
Other
Music Fundamentals
This is like a music theory textbook online. It includes great explanations and assignments, although there is not a way to check your completed assignments. It begins with the basics and goes through triads. Midi files are included.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids
This interactive site offers students resource for learning about composers, their works, the logistics of orchestra seating, the functions of different instruments, and the like.
Stanford University
Stanford University: Electronic Instruments
This resource provides information about a number of different types of synthesizers used from 1890 to 1980.
Other
Online Mallet Lessons
This site contains numerous tips and suggestions dealing with many facets of playing the vibraphone and marimba. Although much of the information is jazz oriented, some is general enough that it could easily be applied to xylophone and...
McMaster University
The Microcomputer: Input
Information about computer hardware input devices, types, and their uses.
Other
What Are Historical Keyboard Instruments
Provides information about historical keyboard instruments such as the clavichord, harpsichord, fortepiano and organ.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Piano
Read about keyboard instruments and the piano in particular. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the piano alone and with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Organ
A concert hall organ can have as many as four keyboards, 244 keys, 32 pedals and 4,535 pipes. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the organ alone or with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Harpsichord
The harpsichord looks a little like a piano, but there are enough differences to place them in two different instrument groups even though both use keyboards. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the harpsichord.
Other
Piano Music Sight Reading Practice
Actually this clever site drills pianists on note names and note placement on the keyboard. Kids can access this site at home for practice. Both treble and bass clef are used.