Curated OER
The Role of the Musician and His Instruments in the Civil War
Fifth graders listen to and discuss the music of the Civil War Era in order to better explain society during this time period. They identify the musical instruments and write their own word to accompany the music of one of the songs.
Curated OER
Sound Game
Get those little ears out and ready to listen to play a game! Youngsters listen to a variety of instruments, and then determine whether the instruments are made of wood or metal. This game is interactive with fun sounds.
Curated OER
How to Sing and Play Happy Birthday
Here is a clever, and simple, lesson on how play the guitar while singing the Happy Birthday Song. There is media content embedded in the plan that allows learners to see a video of it being played, and to print out tabulature which...
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
Rhythm, Math, Rhythm
Students play instruments in math class to learn the interconnectedness between math and music. In this math lesson, students subdivide a piece of music, clapping rhythms and charting rhythm patterns in the song. A guided discussion...
Curated OER
Music
Fourth graders are introduced to the ABA form of music through singing and playing instruments. Using music, they practice reading the notations and improvising melodies. They also sing in duets and trios in various keys to end the...
Curated OER
Pitched Instruments of African Music
In this African music worksheet, students read about the kora and the xylophone which are types of pitched instruments. A glossary is included in the 2 page article.
Curated OER
World Rhythms: Tabla
Students use various materials to build and play simple percussion based on a Silk Road design, and write step-by-step instructions for others about how to make and play instrument.
Curated OER
Changing Sounds
Students listen to sound. In this changing sounds activity, students play instruments to help them hear volume and pitch. Students use the interactive whiteboard to experiment how change can make sounds go higher or lower.
Curated OER
9 Easy to Make Musical Instruments for Kids
Students create various musical instruments out of everyday and recycled items.
Curated OER
Band On Line
In 1996, using the Internet to enhance learning was a new innovation. While the activity here is a bit outdated, it could still provide a basic understanding of how technology can enhance music appreciation. Members of the school band...
Curated OER
Fats Waller, Handful of Keys
Playing piano is great fun and playing jazz is even better. Kids watch a video of Fats Waller playing the song, "Handful of Keys," they then use either a piano key print out or Orff instruments to practice his signature stride piano...
Curated OER
Popular Music of Brazil: Samba
Samba music is a musical mixture of both African and Brazilian sounds and rhythms. Explore this art form with your class using this easy-to-follow slide show. They'll learn about Samba's roots, beats, characteristics, instruments, and...
Curated OER
My (musical) Valentine
Get out those bells, sand blocks, and sticks! Your kindergarteners use their singing voices to ask and answer friendly questions while keeping rhythm. They take turns in a group and in pairs singing questions and answers while keeping...
Curated OER
Latin American Music
Learn about the music of Latin America! Four types of music are defined by their instruments, uses, and cultural impact or influences. Indigenous, Iberian, African influenced, and Urban music are all discussed.
Curated OER
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
Mozart was an amazing composer and "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" was one of his best-loved orchestral pieces. This handout provides a brief description of the instruments for which it was written, and how each section and part should be...
Curated OER
Spanish Instruments, Zim, Zim and La Tarara
Students explore Spanish instruments. In this Spanish music activity, students observe how to play castanets, guitars, tambourines, drums, and bells. Students then listen to and create music featuring the instruments.
Curated OER
Native American Indian Musical Instruments
Students listen and react to recordings of Native American Instruments with each student completing a corresponding Reaction Worksheet after listening to the recordings.
Curated OER
Ireland's Instruments
Students examine different types of instruments from Ireland. They view pictures of a fiddle, tin whistle, Uilleann pipes, Mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and harp and listen to a recording of each instrument. At each listening station,...
Curated OER
Describe an Instrument
Students research an instrument. Similarities and differences are looked at among various instruments. One could select the instruments a student researches or one could assign the instrument. When comparing the instruments students...
Curated OER
Jazz Forms and Improvisation
Students listen to an original recording of Louis Armstrong and discuss instrumentation. They identify an AABA song form as they listen. They list similarities between the following: traditional meets modern and small group vs. big band.
Curated OER
Music from the Silk Roads
Students explore different types of musical instruments. In this musical instrument lesson, students create a replica of a sheng. Students utilize this instrument to understand different types of breathing used in different sounds....
Curated OER
Music- Found-Object Orchestra
Students construct simple musical instruments. In this music lesson, students read the text Max Found Two Sticks and construct their own instruments from classroom materials.
Curated OER
Driving Music
Students experience both playing a musical instrument and driving a car. The two experiences tied together by one engineer. The score appears as a road, with twists and turns representing the composer's suggested shifts in mood. This...