PBS
Pbs: Jazz Music and the Crisis Over School Desegregation
Working in cooperative groups, your students will learn how jazz musicians expressed the Civil Rights era in their music. This lesson focuses on the Civil Rights movement in Little Rock, Arkansas. Also, they will learn to about the...
PBS
Pbs: Black and Blue: Jazz in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison was a musician who later became a writer. His book Invisible Man is written like a jazz composition. In this lesson, students will interpret key themes and concepts in Invisible Man that are also found in jazz music.
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.
Curated OER
National Park Service: New Orleans Jazz Nat'l Historical Park: Louis Armstrong
A major figure in jazz, Louis Armstrong is considered the father of jazz. Learn about his early days in New Orleans and how he developed into one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
Other
All About Jazz: Where to Begin?
A guide to help a newcomer to jazz become familiar with the genre.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke Ellington
This site provides audio clips, photos, and biographical information of this legendary composer and performer. A match game teaches and tests your knowledge of Ellington.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Musical Harlem
The Kennedy Center's ArtsEdge offers a great unit for introducing jazz to students. Its use of Harlem as the "glue" which binds together elements such as jazz history and jazz terminology, makes it particularly effective for the...
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey
Often called the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: William Grant Still
Read about composer William Grant Still in this resource. This brief biography highlights the career of this African American composer.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: James P. Johnson
Stride pianist James P. Johnson is featured in this resource with a brief biography highlighting his career. It includes an audio clip showcasing his piano playing style.
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