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Website
BBC

Bbc Radio2: Sold on Song

For Students 9th - 10th
If you love classic pop and rock songs and performers, you'll want to visit this site. Includes background information and audio, a glossary, a guide to songwriting styles, songwriting tips, music quizzes, interviews, and so much more....
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Stephen Foster

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Stephen Foster.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bo Diddley

For Students 9th - 10th
Creator of the "Bo Diddley beat", this rock & roller was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Here is a brief biographical sketch of his life.
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Website
Other

Rock Instrumental Songwriting

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: John Williams

For Students 9th - 10th
John Williams has written many famous themes for many popular movies. Learn more about him and his music by reading a brief biography and viewing a short discography of his work.
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Website
Other

Dolly Parton

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Dolly Parton in a timeline format. Also includes many links to photos and other information about this country music artist.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Bob Dylan

For Students 9th - 10th
The companion website of a film documentary directed by Martin Scorsese about the life and music of Bob Dylan. Understand Dylan's career and the impact of his music on the politics of the time, his influences, and his many musical...
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Handout
Other

Stephen Collins Foster: American Dreams

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a wealth of information about the American songwriter, Stephen Foster. This link leads you to the biographical information which is divided into five sections: beginnings, his life's work, the legend, the problems, and...
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Lesson Plan
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Composing With Solfege

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Through solfege, learners will create their own musical compositions as Maria did in the musical The Sound of Music.
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Website
University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh:frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Collins Foster

For Students 9th - 10th
This website has answers to common questions about songwriter, Stephen Foster, including "Where can I get recordings of Stephen Foster's music?" and "How much money did Foster make from his songs?" Very useful for basic information about...
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Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Dolly Parton

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides extensive information on the life and career of country music star, Dolly Parton. As a singer, songwriter, and actress she has been entertaining people for almost fifty years.
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Handout
Other

Judy Collins

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical information on Judy Collins, folk singer and songwriter.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Francis Scott Key

For Students 9th - 10th
Francis Scott Key is known for composing "The Star Spangled Banner". This resource offers a brief biography of him and his inspiration for writing the song.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Katharine Lee Bates

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Katharine Lee Bates.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Chuck Berry.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leonard Bernstein

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Leonard Bernstein.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Julia Ward Howe

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Julia Ward Howe.
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Website
Other

Carly simon.com: Carly Simon

For Students 9th - 10th
This page has everything you would want to know about Carly Simon. It is her official web site with links on: news, music, books, store, timeline, audio/images, and more. Click link to find out.
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Website
Other

Ascap Official Website

For Students 9th - 10th
The official site by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Of interest is the history of ASCAP as well as articles for those wanting to learn more about the music business.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Elton John

For Students 9th - 10th
Read extensive biographical details on successful music artist, Sir Elton John, a 1994 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Bo Diddley

For Students 9th - 10th
Life and musical career of the influential Bo Diddley.
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Primary
Other

Todd & Sharon Peach: Irving Berlin Remembers Lorenz Hart

For Students 9th - 10th
Irving Berlin talks about famous lyricist Lorenz Hart, of the famous writing duo Rodgers & Hart. He discuss his impact on music on culture.
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Website
Other

Dream Horse Classifieds: Dale Evans

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical information about Dale Evans, western songwriter.
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Website
Other

Structural Chord Progressions

For Students 9th - 10th
When composing music, it is good to be sure you have the right set of chords surrounding your melody. This column provides a brief overview on how to begin to think of chord structures for your songs.