National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Learning the Blues
This lesson plan introduces young scholars to the blues. The origin and development of the blues is explored as well as its distinctive structure.
PBS
Pbs: American Roots Music
If teaching a unit about the history of popular music in America, this PBS web site supporting their four-part TV broadcast of a few years ago would make a great resource. Includes lesson plans and oral histories too.
Library of Congress
Loc: Omaha Indian Music
A fascinating site of traditional American Indian music. Listen online to the 44 wax cylinder recordings from 1895-97! Listen also to interviews of the tribe giving background information.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Music Across America
This curriculum unit devoted to the study of American music features five lesson plans that help students identify instruments, recognize styles and genres of American music and begin to comprehend the rich diversity of American music.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum
By using music and various writings, students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of conforming to society's expectations at this site.
PBS
Pbs: Music, Slavery and the Civil War
This lesson could serve as the basis of a curriculum unit on slavery and/or the Civil War. Spirituals are analyzed, especially their cultural implications.
Library of Congress
Loc: Sheet Music About Civil War
This resource provides more than 200 sheet music compositions that represent Lincoln, the Civil War and the times. Compiled by the greatest private collector of Lincoln material, Alfred Whital Stern.
Other
M.u.s.i.c.'s Song Directory
This data base of over 2,800 songs can be searched and used to enhance lessons in all subject areas. Listings feature the historical, political, literary and social references that make songs relevant to many disciplines.