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Red, White, and Blue Notes
Students explore the history of major American music genres. Then, through mock radio shows, students examine the distinguishing features of each genre and how each has changed throughout the years.
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Interactive Timeline
Young scholars examine the development of ragtime music and its relation to jazz. They participate in an online Interactive timeline and read about the history of ragtime music, listen to examples of music, and in small groups create...
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VH1 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll Lesson 5
Young scholars analyze female artists who work in the genres of rock and roll, and alternative rock music. They complete an information sheet on biographical information.
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Jazz in America
Students learn the basic elements of music and gain an understanding of the elements found in Jazz.
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Anti-Smoking Jingle or Rap
Young scholars read information about tobacco and describe the problems associated with smoking. They work in groups to create a presentation to discourage teenagers from smoking. They present their songs to the class and digitally...
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The Sorcerers Shown
Students consider the different genres of literary and movie characters. In this character types activity, students brainstorm character genres from books and movies. Students read the article 'Which Wizard Beats 'Em All?' and develop...
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Types of Popular Music
Students listen to different types of music, such as bluegrass, rap and blues. They identify different styles of music and musical instruments. They discuss how the music reflects culture.
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Back in the Day
Students identify the genre of music called Hip Hop, analyze its elements, and formulate a definition of the Hip Hop culture.
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VH1 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll Lesson 6
Students study vocal style and techniques in various genres. They critique vocal performances by completing critique charts.
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Rhythmic Travel Around the World
Students explore and play rhythm sticks while listening to songs from around the world. They locate the countries of origin on a map, and tap their rhythm sticks to the beat of the music.
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VH1 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons Lesson 1
Students study the affect of a theme song can have on a show or performer. They compare and contrast an original television theme song with classical music.
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Wyclef Jean for VH1 Storytellers
Students use recordings of Wyclef Jean's music to study and explore different styles and techniques.
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Duke Ellington and the Rise of Jazz in New York
Students consider how Duke Ellington impacted the rise of jazz music. In this jazz music lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding the life and work of Ellington. Students also watch a video regarding Ellington and discuss music of...
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Eckstine, Stayhorn, and the Dorseys: Masters of Swing
Students explore the history of swing music. In this music history lesson, students research the Dorsey Brothers, Billy Eckstine, and William Strayhorn to learn about swing music. Students define swing, develop a timeline of events in...
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Form and Theme in the Traditional Mexican Corrido
Students examine the traditional Mexican musical form of corridos. In this cross curricular history and music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of popular corridos and the corridos' importance in Mexican culture. Students will compose...
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Rock Around the Map
Students research the geographical histories of various musical genres and make maps that note important places in music history. They Write geographical biographies about one of their favorite musical artists.
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And You Don't Stop - 30 Years of Hip-Hop - Lesson 3
Young scholars discuss the importance of dance within the Hip Hop genre and the dance moves which grew out of the Hip Hop style. They perform an original dance routine or demonstrate their instrument for the class.
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Bands Reunited: The English Beat and Berlin
Students compare, contrast, and reflect on reggae, punk, and ska music, and how this relates to the music of the group The English Beat.
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Music: Elgar (1962)
High schoolers examine how the creation and performance of music is affected by contextual influences. They specifically examine anthems and discuss the elements that contribute to that musical genre and how the nature of a piece of...
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Pop Tops
Get your class primed for a comparative analysis lesson with this activity. They compare and contrast their music preferences to those of their classmates. After reading an article, they identify current trends in popular music, analyze...
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Gallows Humor
Providing countless examples of gallows humor in both literature and film, this presentation explores the many instances and utilities of "black humor." While the definition is not explicitly stated, students can deduce what gallows...
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I Went to the Crossroads: The Faust Theme in Music, Film and Literature
Pupils analyze song lyrics and discuss Faust theme in musical history. In this thematic lesson, students view a film clip and create a song lyric, poem or short story developed around the Faust theme. Pupils perform or present their...
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Haiku and Beyond: Exploring Genres of Japanese Literature
Fourth graders compare and contrast the literature of Japan as they study the culture, history and geography of the island nation. They read various genres of literature, describe geographic and landform features of Japan, and find...
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Musical Forms
Students engage in an activity that is creating a video to accompany a chosen piece of music. They create a storyboard in order to plan out the video shooting. Then students listen to the music while filming takes place. Then they use...