Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lady Sings the Blues

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars explore women and music in the 20th century. In this music lesson, students study the relationship between literature and music through The Color Purple and music by Ethel Waters, MA Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Gershwin

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners explore the life and accomplishments of George Gershwin. They listen to Latin rhythms and practice the rhythmic parts. Students identify Latin instruments George Gershwin added to the orchestra. After practice, they perform a...
Website
Other

The Official Web Site of Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Visit the official web site of jazz singer Billie Holiday. This site includes a short biography, her career summary, photos and quotes.
Website
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Diana Ross

For Students 9th - 10th
Explores the life and career of singer and actress, Diana Ross. As part of the group The Supremes and on her own, she defined the Motown sound in the Sixties and has won numerous entertainment awards.
Website
Other

The Unofficial Billie Holiday Website

For Students 9th - 10th
Even though it is unauthorized, this is an exceptional site about jazz singer Billie Holiday. Included in this site is information about her life, her music and other resources leading to this jazz legend.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday is considered to be the best of all time. Read more about her life on this PBS American Masters site.
Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine the life and historical contributions of renown jazz vocalist and Pennsylvania native, Billie Holiday in this concise biography.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Great War & Jazz Age (1914 1928)

For Students 3rd - 8th
This Library of Congress time-line series surveys World War I and the Jazz Age. When World War I broke out in Europe, many changes were going on in the United States. Women were voting for the first time and African-American culture was...
Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz singer Billie Holiday is featured on this Down Beat website with a biography, pictures and a discography of her recording career.
Handout
Danuta Bois

Distinguished Women of Past and Present: Billie Holiday

For Students 3rd - 8th
This is a very brief encyclopedia article on the life and music of Billie Holiday (1915-1959).
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
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...