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Handout
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Carole King

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the Grammy award-winning songwriter Carole King. Read about her background and achievements, listen to an interview, and view a gallery of pictures.
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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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Interactive
PBS

Pbs: Off the Charts Web Karaoke

For Students 9th - 10th
This online karaoke machine, developed for "Off the Charts," an episode about songwriters that aired on the award-winning PBS series "Independent Lens," lets you try out your songwriting talents. First you write the lyrics for a song set...
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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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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: James Taylor

For Students 9th - 10th
Presents comprehensive biographical details on Grammy winning singer/songwriter James Taylor, a 2000 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.
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Handout
Classical Bands

Classicbands: James Taylor

For Students 9th - 10th
Features details on the personal life as well as the professional life of "Sweet Baby James", James Taylor, one of the most popular folk singer/songwriters of the 1970s.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Billy Joel

For Students 9th - 10th
Here you will find much information about one of "rock and roll's most talented and accomplished songwriters". He's had 13 Top Ten hits including 'Piano Man', 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me', and 'We didn't Start the Fire' while also...
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: John Lennon

For Students 9th - 10th
Offers a detailed biographical essay on ex-Beatle and songwriter John Lennon, a 1994 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Smokey Robinson

For Students 9th - 10th
Uncover many fascinating facts about the life of singer, songwriter, producer and talent scout, Smokey Robinson who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He had 27 Top Forty hits!
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Handout
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise

Jewish Virtual Library: Irving Berlin

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography featuring Irving Berlin's rise to fame as a prolific American songwriter in the 20s and 30s.
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Handout
Other

Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization: Shows Collections: Irving Berlin

For Students 9th - 10th
Detailed biography and discography of the work of songwriter, Irving Berlin.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bob Dylan

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the premier songwriters of his time, one cannot think of folk music without thinking of Bob Dylan. This legendary singer was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and has five songs on the top 500 list of most influential songs.
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Handout
Classical Bands

Classicbands: Smokey Robinson

For Students 9th - 10th
Read biographical information and interesting facts about famous Motown legend, Smokey Robinson, award winning soul singer and songwriter.
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Article
Other

The Golden Rules of Songwriting

For Students 9th - 10th
Do you have the desire to begin writing music but don't know how to get started? This well written article provides some very good advice to help you on your way.
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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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Primary
Other

Irene Jackson's Songwriting Tips

For Students 9th - 10th
Numerous postings from this Canadian song writer. Maybe they will inspire you to write an award winning song.
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Unit Plan
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Jimmie Rodgers

For Students 9th - 10th
"The Father Of Country Music", Jimmy Rodgers had a successful musical career. Read more about his life and music at this site. Included is a biography, a discography, and a small photo gallery.
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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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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leroy Anderson

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about Leroy Anderson, a composer who wrote many well-known songs. Includes a brief biography and discography.
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Handout
Other

Performing Songwriter: Richard Rodgers

For Students 9th - 10th
Uncover the story of a major player in American musical theater, Richard Rogers. Videos and details of his contributions and his partners support the impact he made to the profession.
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Lesson Plan
ReadWriteThink

Read Write Think: Songwriting for Beginning Letter Sounds

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
A great resource for teachers. This lesson plan uses songs and singing as a guide for students in learning letter names and beginning consonant sounds. Students in first and second grade can extend this activity by creating new verses...
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Website
Other

Writingsongs

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides information about composing music and songwriting. Of interest is the Tips & Information section where there are several articles of advice about songwriting.
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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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Graphic
New York Times

New York Times: Interactive: Bruce Springsteen

For Students 9th - 10th
An interactive review of a 2006 biography about Bruce Springsteen called "Fourth of July, Asbury Park." Narrated in slideshow format, the site encapsulates a lot of what Springsteen's songs and songwriting are all about.

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