Other
Part 13: In 900 Minutes, You Can Be Composing
Learn how to compose music in 900 minutes through a process known as "Improvitaping." This is a good tool for the upper level student and makes a great teachers help.
PBS
Pbs: The Blues as Poetry
Discover what the relationship is between poetry and the blues. This site features lesson plans and online resources.
Other
Georg Philipp Telemann: A Biographical Note
A nice, in-depth biography on composer Georg Philipp Telemann is found here. Details on his compositions and life as a composer are given.
National Arts Centre (Canada)
Arts Alive: Ludwig Van Beethoven
This site from the National Arts Centre of Canada explores the life of Beethoven (1770-1827 CE). Read about his education, musical contemporaries, loss of hearing, and his death. There are also discussions of many of his famous works,...
PBS
Pbs: Caillou's Magic Keyboard
This site allows young children to explore composition using elements supplied by the program, to create short, original musical pieces. The instructions are read aloud.
Classical Net
Classical Net: Francis Poulenc
A look at the life of French composer, Francis Poulenc and the influences on his music. Contains a list of his compositions.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: Frederick Chopin
This site from the North Park University provides a brief biographical sketch of pianist Frederick Chopin describes briefly the Polish nationalist themes in his compositions.
Other
Guitar Nine: So You Want to Be a Songwriter?
As the title suggests, this column deals with songwriting. It does not tell you specifically how to write a song, but it does cover a lot of good information and advice and how to get started.
Other
Rock Instrumental Songwriting
Aimed primarily at the young guitarist, this column addresses how to begin writing your own songs. There is some good advice on how to begin to think of the structure of your song as opposed to just thinking of a few riffs.
Other
The Aria Database
The searchable Aria Database features over 1,200 arias from 170 operas by 60 composers. It includes lyrics, translations, synopses of operas, and MIDI files.
Other
The Official George Crumb Home Page
The official site, with sections devoted to his life, compositions, recordings, writings, and news. The news section has internet links, and the site has a search function!
On Being
Speaking of Faith: On Being: Bach's Bible
Presented is an illustrated narrative slideshow that talks about the Bible's influence on one of Bach's compositions "Mass in B Minor." [ 3:48]
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Franz Joseph Haydn
This is a biography on Franz Joseph Haydn. It also includes an audio lecture on Haydn with his music as a background to the lecture.
Other
George Frideric Handel: Home Page
This site has indepth information on Handel. It goes from birth to death and beyond. Contains chronological listing of when compositions were composed and where performed. Also has a good reference page for more info.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin
Interested in popular and serious music, Gershwin (1898-1937) played a big part in bringing jazz to a more important place in American music. He helped mix it with classical music in his compositions. Read more about his work, including...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Charles Ives
This resource provides information on Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). This American composer's job, and source of income, was actually running an insurance agency. He would compose and play music at night, after work. Use this site to learn...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Richard Rodgers Collection
This site is provided for by the Library of Congress. Below the long list of Rodgers' works you'll find an extensive timeline of his life and composition history.
Other
Writingsongs
Provides information about composing music and songwriting. Of interest is the Tips & Information section where there are several articles of advice about songwriting.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Giovanni Pierluigi Da Palestrina
This site offers a biography on the life of Giovanni Palestrina. His musical compositions are discussed, and links are provided to influential people in his life. Please note that ?The Catholic Encyclopedia? is a historic reference...
Phil Tulga
Phil Tulga: Fraction Pie Rhythms
Using pies, this interactive site allows you to create your own rhythmic songs. A whole pie equals a whole note, a half pie equals a half note and so on. There are also example songs to listen to.