Smithsonian Institution
African American Music: Let’s Sing and Play Clapping Games
Two lessons focus on making a beat. Using popular African American music of its time, scholars listen and analyze the rhythm then recreate it with hands drums, and cups.
Curated OER
Arabic Folk and Popular Music: Egypt, Lebanon, and Spain
How many of us have actually listened to Arabic folk or pop music? Learn about the many facets of folk music common to Lebanon, Spain, and Egypt with this well-organized presentation. Islamic cultural influences are traced throughout...
Curated OER
Musical Sounds
Students investigate music appreciation by completing worksheets. In this musical arts lesson plan, students complete worksheets in which they identify different musical instruments, the sounds they make and the family of instruments...
Curated OER
Mexican Culture “La Raspa”
Here are three lessons that work together to engage learners in a cultural and musical exploration. In lesson one the listen to the Mexican folk song, "La Raspa" and discuss cultural context. In lesson two they dance along to both "La...
Curated OER
Rap Music and Hip-Hop
Pupils explore rap and hip hop music. In this music and culture lesson, students experience the music of Will Smith in order to work on language and communication skills such as rhyming words, writing, and public speaking.
Curated OER
Halloween Sing Along
First graders get ready for Halloween while engaging in a spirited sing-along. They sing the song "Halloween" along with the teacher as they clap to keep rhythm with the music. Note: This song or song lyrics are not included.
Curated OER
Global Music: Steve Reich – Ghana, Bali, America and Germany
Students explore the music of Steve Reich. In this global music lesson, students compare the music compositions of Steve Reich to African and Balinese music. Students discuss their personal comparisons.
Curated OER
Music in Nature
Students research the Incan civilization. In this Incan civilization lesson, students study the geography of the Andes mountains and play an Andean siku. Students discuss how the sounds of nature influenced their musical piece.
Curated OER
African Music
In this music worksheet, students read an excerpt about African Music. Once completed, they respond to eight short answer questions related to the reading. Students also imagine that they are an African musician and suggest how they...
Curated OER
Hispanic Rhythmic Patterns and Drums
Students imitate rhythmic patterns created by the teacher or taken from the drum performance of "Oshossi." They study and perform some of the layered and interlocking rhythms of the drum ensembles of Brazil, Haiti, Cuba, Suriname, and...
Curated OER
Hole Hole Bushi
Fourth graders play a written rhythm pattern. They state when a rhythm pattern varies from a given pattern by listening to an ostinato. They state reasons why people migrate to different lands.
Curated OER
Creating a Thunderstorm
First graders contrast sounds and make a thunderstorm rhythm. In this rhythm lesson, 1st graders listen to Native American music and make an original rhythm with their hands and feet. Students discuss Native Americans.
Activated Story Theatre
Orpheus- A Greek Myth: Reader's Theatre Script
Is this any way to treat a Greek Myth? By all means, turn the tale of Orpheus into a reader's theatre exercise.
Digital Forsyth
Old Salem Speech
The focus of the lesson plan is rhythmic speech and 4/4 time. The topic of the lesson plan is trades common in Old Salem during the colonial period. Learners will practice keeping time with their voices and body percussion. They will...
Curated OER
Spanish: La Fiesta!
Students sing a Spanish song to celebrate Latin American culture. In this fiesta instructional activity, students sing the words and do hand motions to the song "Que Linda Manito." They create paper bag maracas and enjoy a fiesta.