Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Listening to Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
An excellent resource explaining the details that characterize ragtime music. From the rhythms to the typical form, this site gives a great overview of this early style of jazz.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Jones, Quincy

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry offers a brief look at Quincy Jones, who began as a jazz trumpet player, but has expanded his career beyond music into film and television. There are links to websites for more information.
Handout
PBS

Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan

For Students 9th - 10th
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Joplin, Scott

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Ella Fitzgerald

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is featured on this PBS site. Find out about her life and musical career. Be sure to check out the interactive career timeline as well.
Graphic
Curated OER

New York Philharmonic: Kid Zone! Images: Jazz Musicians at Work

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Cartoon illustration of Bobby McFerrin and his accompanist.
Website
George Mason University

Chnm: Eubie Blake and Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains a great interview with the pioneer of ragtime music, Eubie Blake. It also contains an audio clip of the interview.
Activity
Digital History

Digital History: Avant Garde

For Students 9th - 10th
Synopsis of the huge cultural shifts that occurred in America in the 1920s in art, music, literature, and among intelligentsia.
Handout
PBS

Pbs American Masters: Benny Goodman

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about jazz clarinet player and big band leader Benny Goodman. This site features major highlights of his career.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: The Gershwin Legacy: George and Ira Gershwin

For Students 9th - 10th
With their famous music and lyrics, the Library of Congress presents an in depth exhibit of primary source materials from the Gershwin brothers.
Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: How to Blues

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This site has ten lessons to teach about the blues in which students learn the geography, historical events and performers associated with the blues. The unit has been recognized by the American Music Education Initiative as one of the...
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Ray Charles

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS presents a biography of the "Father of soul," Ray Charles. He was an internationally famed musician, combining jazz, country, gospel, soul, and R&B in a way that was truly unique.
Handout
Other

"Blind" Boone: History

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a thorough biography of one of the most influential but overlooked Ragtime composers, John William "Blind" Boone. The emphasis is on his lifetime and the tremendous success of his musical career despite his...
Website
Other

Amistad Digital Resource: Pop Culture

For Students 9th - 10th
General overview of African American pop-culture in the mid 20th-century highlighting music, art, theater, and sports.
Article
Other

Pay the Piper: The Flute

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about playing the flute at this website, which is geared toward young students who are thinking about playing a musical instrument. Includes background information on this woodwind, and links to more information.
Article
Other

Pay the Piper: The Trumpet & the Cornet

For Students 9th - 10th
This website, intended for young students wishing to play a musical instrument, discusses the "pros and cons" of playing the trumpet or cornet. The site provides background information on these brass instruments.
Website
Other

Famous Singers

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical profiles of famous singers in major musical genres. Includes photo and links to snippets of their songs.
Website
Other

Josephine Baker Official Site

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a detailed overview of the life of Josephine Baker. Content includes a biography, famous quotes, and a list of her music and film contributions.
Website
Other

Harmonica Info and Tips

For Students 9th - 10th
Gives basic information about the harmonica in addition to tips for purchasing and playing one
Handout
Other

The Official Poncho Sanchez Website

For Students 9th - 10th
Prominent Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez's website contains a biography, discography, and photo/video gallery.
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
Considered the "King Of Ragtime", Scott Joplin is introduced in this informative web page. Learn more about his background and his music.
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...
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
An early form of jazz, Ragtime music is discussed in this web site. Touching on its origins to its lasting influence, you will be sure to learn more about it here.
Website
Other

G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief biography of the famous American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader, Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE). The site describes "Duke's" personal and professional life.

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