Grade Eight Music

Throughout Jr. high school students will evolve music skills through three different levels, with focus on five program goals: skill development, individual and group performance, appreciation of a variety of music, self-expression, and the history of music. 
  • Musicians
  • Cultural Instruments
  • Class Activities
  • Teacher Resources
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Children’s experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your music class to introduce musicians of colour or cultural instruments. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new musician/instrument of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation. 
7 - 12 Musicians of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Level I
​
​How James Brown Invented Funk
An 8-minute PBS video breaking down the rhythm, vocal qualities, and other musical elements of funk, and James Brown's influence on hip hop.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.1: The beginning of rock music
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use as an introduction to hip hop
    - Students can research significant artists who had a large impact on the genre and create reports or posters
    - Students can try to identify different parts of hip hop in different songs
    ​- Use student understanding of elements of music to analyze James Brown's music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Bobby McFerrin Demonstrates the Power of the Pentatonic Scale
In this video, Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use as an interactive music resource to gain familiarity with pentatonic scale
    - Resource to get students singing
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
She Sings the Blues: Jamming With the Legendary Beverly Watkins
Interview with Beverly Watkins, and a short history on her blues career.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss how the role of women in the music industry has shifted over the years
    - Use as a resource to research about Beverly Watkins
    - Research more about American blues music and its most popular artists during this era
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Where is the Funk? How Prince Created the Minneapolis Sound
A 10-minute video on the history of Minneapolis Sound in the 80s and 90s. Jellybean Johnson highlights the musical elements of the genre.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    ​- History of funk music
    - Electro-funk music
    - Artist examples
    - Influences in modern day music
  • ​Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Duke Ellington - Pianist & Songwriter
Video showcasing a brief biography of Duke Ellington.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    ​- 2.1: Careers in music
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Listening example for jazz music  
    - Discuss the historical context of jazz music and the effects in the early 1900's
    - Resource for information on Duke Ellington
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed 
Louis Armstrong: Broke Down Barriers for African American Artists
Video showcasing a brief biography of Louis Armstrong.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - Program goals: 3, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Presentation on Armstrong's influence and impact on jazz music
    - Listening examples
    - Historical context of jazz music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
Ella Fitzgerald
Biography of Ella Fitzgerald.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Presentation on Ella Fitzgerald's contribution to jazz music
    ​- Discussion on discrimination against Black musicians during this era
  • Accessibility: 
    ​​- Accommodations needed
Prince: Mini Biography
Short video showcasing a brief biography of Prince.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 3, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Presentation on Prince and his influence on music today
    - Discussion about why America loves Prince: How was he unique during his era?
  • Accessibility: ​​
    - Accommodations needed
Tanya Tagaq- The sounds of throat singing 
Tanya Tagaq, an Inuk Canadian throat singer, explains how to manipulate your voice to make the sounds of throat singing.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - Program goals: 1, 3, 4
  • Suggested use: 
    - Introduction to throat singing
    ​- Listening exercise on throat singing; what do students notice? What do they wonder about?
    ​- Use as a resource to explore more about Inuit culture and the significance of throat singing
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Blind Musician Preserving America's Original Black Music
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton is a musician bringing back the magic of a bygone era of American jazz. Drawing inspiration from the blues scene of the 1930s, Paxton has become a master of forgotten music, transporting his audiences to another time.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals; 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Compare Jerron's music to American jazz in the 1930's
    ​- Discuss and research more about evolution of jazz genre
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Jazz Ambassadors: Louis Armstrong and the Civil Rights Movement
A 5-minute video on Louis Armstrong's role in the Civil Rights Movement in the USA. From "The Jazz Ambassadors" series. Website includes support materials such as discussion questions, background questions, and teaching tips.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discussion questions on website to use in whole-class discussion or small group work
    - Use as a resource to research about Louis Armstrong
    - Use as a resource to research more about jazz
    - Discuss the relationship between jazz music and the Civil Rights Movement
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Nina Simone's 'Lovely, Precious Dream' For Black Children
Article on how Nina Simone's song "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" became an American anthem. She wrote the song to "inspire black children to feel good about themselves forever". Includes 7-minute audio clip on her history, and how the song is relevant today.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce Nina Simone and to further conversation about songs having impactful themes and messages
    - Students can use this song as an example and research other songs written by Black artists that have a strong message for children
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
'I Will Survive' Saves Marginalized People A Spot On The Dance Floor
A 7-minute audio clip and article on Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". Exploration of how the song describes Gloria's personal struggles and then how the song became anthem for the LGBT community during the AIDs crisis.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce Gloria Gaynor and her song's message
    - Discuss and identify other songs that have become anthems to various marginalized groups
    - Research the AIDs crisis and discover some of the music that was popular during the era and how music may have helped those affected
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
Both Party And Protest, 'Alright' Is The Sound Of Black Life's Duality
A 7-minute audio clip and article exploring how Kendrick Lamar's song of celebration transformed into a rallying cry and affirmation in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in Music
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce Kendrick Lamar and his style of rap
    - Students can connect his art to other rappers and see how their songs differ
    - Students can identify specific instruments in the song
    - Research the BLM movement and report on how music has been used to rally individuals together
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
‘They Say My Music’s Too Loud’: Chuck D and Ernie Isley ‘Fight The Power'
​15-minute discussion between Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers and Chuck D from Public Enemy on their respective versions of "Fight the Power". The songs both are important American anthems in their times.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.2: Composing music
  • Suggested use: 
    - Compare and contrast both versions of the song
    - Discuss how each song responds to events that were happening at the time of its release, as well as compare public responses to the bands and songs
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
How The 'New World' Symphony Introduced American Music To Itself
Dvorak, a famous Czech composer and immigrant to the US, was inspired by Black spirituals in writing his "New World" symphony. His assistant Harry Burleigh, a self-taught baritone, greatly influenced his understanding of American music. He declared that American music is founded upon African-American music, and is also its future. Additional resource for more information.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Connections between European classical music and Black American music
    - Can be used when learning about Dvorak and classical music composers
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
'We're A Winner' Married Black Pride To An Irresistible Beat
A 7-minute audio clip and article exploring the impact of The Impressions' "We're a Winner" as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King's message.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United states
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King
    - Students can research other anthems that were used during large social movements in the US
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Till Victory Is Won: The Staying Power Of 'Lift Every Voice And Sing'
A 7-minute audio clip and article on what is deemed the "black national anthem", "Lift Every Voice and Sing". Explores the history of the song, and how artists today like Beyonce continue to sing it in their performances.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss the important of having a "black national anthem" for African Americans in the US
    - Comparison could be made to the unofficial anthem of South Africa during Apartheid
    - Reflect on why songs like this are still necessary today
    - Connections between "black national anthem" and modern music today
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
The Genius of Charlie Parker
This 11-minute PBS video follows the legendary Charlie Parker and the birth and history of bebop as a subgenre of jazz.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in music
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce Charlie Parker and his influence on the genre of jazz
    - Discuss how bebop emerged as a sub-genre of jazz, and they could research to discover other sub-genres of jazz
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Who Was Buddy Bolden?
A 2-minute video that briefly explains who Buddy Bolden is and how he contributed to the birth of Jazz.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in music
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students can relate this video to lessons or earlier conversations about Jazz and Charlie Parker
    - Students can research Buddy Bolden's life and learn more about his influence on Jazz
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions; additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students 
The Woman who Invented Rock and Roll
A 10-minute video outlining Sister Rosetta Tharpe's influence on rock and roll, her life and her legacy.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.1: The beginning of rock music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Introduction of the "godmother" of Rock and Roll
    - Historical context of Rock and Roll
    - Elements of music in artist's music
    - Listening examples
    - Create timelines of famous rock and roll musicians and their influence on the genre
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Cab Calloway: The Original Frontman
A 10-minute video explaining the role of the frontman when performing live music, and how Cab Calloway masterfully used call-and-response in his songs like "Hi-De-Hi-De-Ho".
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 2.1: Careers in music
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use as an introduction to researching different famous vocalists or vocal techniques
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions 
Inuit Games with Inukshuk Aksalnik
Video and webpage of Inukshuk Aksalnik explaining the origins of Inuit throat singing as a game. Two people would take turns speeding up and slowing down their voice and mimic sounds, until someone laughed.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - Program goals: 2, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students follow along using Melody Tracker from website
    - Introduction to throat singing
    - Use as a resource to explore more about Inuit culture and tradition
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Get to know Miles Davis
A 2-minute video explaining brief facts about one of the major influencers on Jazz music in the 1940s, African-American, Miles Davis.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    ​- 3.6 Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Introduction to jazz music
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart about jazz in general
    - Students could create timelines of famous jazz musicians and their influence
  • Accessibility: 
    - Captioned by creator
FOX feature on Rissi Palmer
Rissi Palmer is a country music artist, who charted her debut song on the country charts in 2007, becoming the first Black woman to do so since 1987.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    - Artist example for Country music
    - Artist research project
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Inuit throat-singing sisters from Canada
A 3-minute video explaining the significance of throat singing through the Kettler sisters, and the importance of it in Inuit culture.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
  • Suggested use: 
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart to Inuit throat singing
    - Research other famous Inuit throat singers in Canada and present on their histories and modern influence
    - Discuss the importance of traditional music to various Indigenous cultures
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Level II

Saving an Ancient Language Through Pop Music
Renata Flores is a 16-year-old singer from Peru who is using her voice to save an ancient language, Qechua, by covering popular pop songs.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 2.2: Composing music
    - Program goals: 2, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Research more about 'lost' languages throughout Canada and how they are being preserved (especially within Indigenous communities)
    ​- Discuss how language ties into empowerment and why Renata is singing in Qechua
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Understanding Frank Ocean
This ten-minute video explains the life and musical career of Frank Ocean. Additional video on Frank Ocean's method of lyrical storytelling.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Artist example and biography information
    ​- Hip hop and R&B
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Jacob Banks Reveals How A Burglary Shaped His Music Career
Despite having plans to study civil engineering, 26-year-old Jacob Banks got into music nine years ago and has since turned heads for his striking blend of electronic beats and old-school blues. One of his most popular and most moving songs is titled "Slow Up."
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - 2.2: Composing music
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Learn about characteristics of electronic music and old school blues, then analyze how characteristics of each genre appear in Banks's music
    - Listening example
    ​- Example of career in music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
How A Tribe Called Red Created Electric Powwow Music
A 15-minute PBS video about A Tribe Called Red, Indigenous DJs in Canada and how they blend traditional sound and electronic music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
  • Suggested use: 
    - Introduction for Indigenous Canadian artists unit
    - Canadian artist to include when discussing electronic music
    ​- Connections between Indigenous communities and their path to becoming musicians
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
60 Years of Indigenous Music Game Changers Musicians
Interactive timeline from the 1960s to the 2010s on prominent Indigenous musicians in Canada and how they've changed history.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - Program goals: 2, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Write/present on a musician they are interested in included in the timeline
    - Discuss the importance of recognition and representation in the music industry
    - What popular artists right now look like you/sound like you? Why is that important?
    - Small group work - each group is in charge of a decade to research and present on
    - Research a small Indigenous artist they are interested in and would include in the timeline
    ​- Connection between music of these Indigenous artists and societal events
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
A Tribe Called Red Wins 2014 Juno for Breakthrough Group of the Year Musicians
Video showcasing electronic group A Tribe Called Red, the first Indigenous group to win the Breakthrough Group of the Year award. The group speaks about their experience and what it meant to them.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Introduction for Indigenous Canadian artists unit
    - Canadian artist to include when discussing electronic music
    - Connections between Indigenous communities and their path to becoming musicians
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
Buffy Sainte-Marie perform 'Fancy Dancer'
Buffy Sainte-Marie performs Fancy Dancer in this video as facts about her career are shown in text. She used the power of her distinct music, coined as "disco powow" for social activism.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Comparison to popular 70's disco music and Buffy's interpretation based on her Indigenous background
    - Comparison to music played during various pow wow's
    - Discuss how culture and music interact with one another
    - Use as a resource to research Buffy Sainte-Marie and Indigenous artists
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
A History of Black Classical Musicians
Newsletter highlighting major achievements and the history of black classical composers. A visual timeline is also available.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - Program goals: 3, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students choose a musician from the timeline to research more about and present
    - Discuss how the Black community both shape the music industry while struggling to get the recognition they deserve
    ​- Students create a similar timeline but with Black Canadian classical musicians
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Inside the Junos: why Rascalz refused their 1998 award
Audio clip and article included. This is the story of how Rascalz snubbed the Junos — the first group to ever do that — and how they launched a conversation about change, as rap was often relegated to the sidelines.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - 1.2: Black music
    - Program goals: 3, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss what the Junos are
    - Have a discussion around how R&B and rap are big influences in our society
    - Discuss how the Rascalz actions changed the Junos' perspective on Urban music
    - How music is used to influence change, especially change within social justice topics
  • Accessibility: 
    - Short summary of audio available at resource
Edmonton's nêhiyawak explores intersection between contemporary indie-rock and Cree culture
Spotlight on Nehiyawak, an Indie-rock band from Edmonton and their take on culture, community and electronic music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.2: Composing music
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - Program goals: 1, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart about Indigenous music in Canada
    - Research different Indigenous artists and create presentations
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed
Oscar Peterson performs Canadian Suite
Video of one of Oscar Peterson's performances, along with subtitles describing his musical history in Canada.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - 1.2: Black music
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use as a resource to research Oscar Peterson
    ​- Listening example of Oscar Peterson
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
From to Mariachi to Ska Punk, This Is Latin Music Today
Features 4 people/groups on how they adapted Latin American music to today. Includes a DJ, a female mariachi band, and ska punk scene.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 2, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Compare the different people/groups and how Latin American culture is infused into their music in different ways
    - Discuss students' prior knowledge about Latin American music (more specifically mariachi bands) and how the video has influenced or changed their thinking
    ​- Connections between traditional music and modern day genres
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Band Bringing Venezuela’s Best Dance Party to the World
El Clavo is a small village in Venezuela with a proud musical heritage. There, Betsayda Machado and other Afro-Venezuelans continue a cultural tradition known as “parranda.”
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - Program goals: 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use as a resource to research more about parranda and its significance to the Puerto Rican community
    - Reflect on students' own traditions around the holiday and how it is similar/different to parranda
    - Discuss the importance of music to culture, traditions, and family
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Reinvention of Drezus
Drezus is a First Nations rapper who combines the traditions of his culture with hip hop. He speaks about how hip hop became his voice and on representation. Note: Mention of drug use and violence.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - Program goals: 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Comparison of hip hop to spoken word poetry and its purpose
    - Discuss how Drezus uses his music to speak about his experiences/culture
    - Compare Drezus' music with other popular hip hop artists
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Through Slavery, Segregation And More, 'La Bamba' Has Been The Sound Of Survival
A 9-minute audio clip and article on the power La Bamba through history as a sound of survival through colonialism and slavery, and how it continues to be remixed and used in protests today.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Research different historical events where La Bamba was used as an anthem of survival
    - Can relate its use in the past to its uses today to show similarities and differences
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Behind the Seductive Rhythm of Bachata
A 9-minute video on the rising popularity of the Dominican style rhythm Bachata as explained by the Mexican-American band La Santa Cecilia. Explores the history of Bachata and its use in modern music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce Bachata and its history, research on its origin
    ​- Highlighting rhythm patterns found in/highlighted in the music of different cultures
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Gloria Estefan
Singer Gloria Estefan was born September 1, 1957, in Havana, Cuba. As a toddler Estefan fled Cuba with her family. In 1975 she met keyboardist Emilio Estefan, her future husband, who led a band called the Miami Latin Boys. Estefan became the lead singer and the band was renamed the Miami Sound Machine, before going on to score several Top 10 hits in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Gloria Estefan biography information, use to start a research project
    - Artist example for Latin American music module
    - Listening example
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba on October 21, 1925. She first gained recognition in the 1950s, as a singer with the orchestra Sonora Matancera. Relocating to the United States after the ascent of Fidel Castro, Cruz recorded 23 gold records with Tito Puente, the Fania All-Stars and other collaborators. Cruz died in New Jersey in 2003, at the age of 77.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Biography information on Celia Cruz, good for artist research project
    - Listening example
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, businesswoman, model, actress, and fashion designer. Referred to as the "Queen of Tejano music", her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
  • Suggested use: 
    - Selena Quintanilla-Perez biography information
    - Artist example for Latin American music module
    - Listening example
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Level III

The Brothers Revolutionizing Japanese Jazz
Features two brothers who play shamisen. They blend tradition shamisen sounds with popular music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Research more about the shamisen and how it is traditionally used
    - Compare the brothers' use of shamisen vs. its traditional uses in China
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Taboo
Video on Taboo from Black Eyed Peas connecting to his Indigenous roots.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 3,4,5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss the relationship between music and culture
    - Use as an example of artistic expression; how does connecting to one's roots influence the way one expresses themselves?
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Charley Patton, Grandfather of Delta Blues
Resource is a video from "The Indians Who Rocked the World". Charley Patton was the “grandfather of Delta blues,” a true legend and part-Native American.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 3,4,5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss Patton's influence in the Delta Blues and how he took his Indigenous background to create music
    - Can use as a resource for a biography on Charley Patton
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Indians Who Rocked the World Trailer
Resource is a video trailer to the documentary. The Indians Who Rocked the World is an electric look at Native American influence in popular music, going deep into the Indigenous foundations of rock.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Connections between Indigenous culture and rock genre
    - How Indigenous ways of knowing can be influenced in modern genres of music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
TED Talk: The enchanting music of sign language
Christine Sun Kim highlights the similarities between music and American Sign Language, and how she reclaims sound and music visually, with touch, and as an idea.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Practice translating favourite song into ASL
    - Discuss how music may be interpreted not just through sound
    - Research more about how ASL community interacts with music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions; audio and ASL
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Reinventing Electronic Music With Dubai’s Cellist DJ
Cellist Aaron Kim changes his musical style from classical to electronic when he learns of his hearing loss.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.2: Electronic Music
    - Program goals: 2, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students record/find their favourite sounds (similar to Aaron's technique) to compose their own music
    - Compare classical jazz musicians/compositions to Aaron's interpretation
    - Compare modern electronic music to Aaron's interpretation
    - Find and research other musicians who like to blend and mix musical genres to create a unique sound
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
How One American Mastered the “Japanese Blues”
Jerome "Jero" White is an African-American Japanese man who is famous for singing enka in Japan. He was introduced to enka music from his Japanese grandmother. An interview on his career.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    - Research more about enka and its significance in Japanese culture
    - Have students interview their own grandparents/older relative to explore the music that is meaningful to them and why
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
BTS' Incredible Success: Significance and Implications
A 15-minute video explaining the success of the Korean boy band, BTS and the cultural significance of their achievements.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use: 
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart on Korean pop music (k-pop)
    - Students could discuss Western ideas of k-pop and BTS and their popularity in North America in comparison to in Korea
    ​- Students could dissect BTS's music for different sounds and instruments they have been introduced to so far
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Chicago Footwork: Music and Dance at a Whole New Speed
Features RP Boo, explaining the musical components and dance components of the musical genre footwork.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.8: Musical Theatre
    - Program goals: 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss the relationship between dance, music, and culture
    - Research more about footwork and its significance
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Birth of Hip Hop
A 3-minute video explaining the origins of Hip Hop, its significance and how the artist DJ Kool Herc played a crucial role in introducing this new genre to the masses.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
  • Suggested use: 
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart on hip hop music and its history
    - Create timelines of the hip hop genre or research its popularity in modern day culture
    - Compare the sounds of DJ Kool Herc's music to modern day hip hop
  • Accessibility: 
    - Captioned by creator
Children’s experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your music class to introduce musicians of colour or cultural instruments. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new musician/instrument of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation. ​
7-12 Musical Instruments by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Level I

African Musical Instruments
Overview of different African musical instrument groups: idophones, cordophones, and percussion, as well as band and orchestral groups. Includes pictures and lists of instruments with a general description.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Introduce a variety of African musical instrument groups
    - Students can compare and contrast each instrument and explore use of each
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students  
The Ney: The Middle Eastern Flute
This post describes the Ney which is an ancient flute that has been passed down throughout history going as far back as the ancient Egyptians (3000-2500 BC). This post also describes how the Ney has changed depending on the region.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the Ney
    - Connection between the evolution of the Ney and society
    ​- Difference of instrument in different regions
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing students 
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students  
All About Persian Tar
This article explains the Tar which is a traditional Persian instrument.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the tar, traditional instruments from different cultures
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing students 
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students  
Didgeridoo. The Men of Fifth World
A 6-minute video explaining the significance of the digeridoo and as well as how to play it.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the digeridoo
    - Significance of the digeridoo to the culture
    ​- Techniques for playing the digeridoo
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions; note captions have some errors
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Traditional Music of Turkey with Wooden Instruments
A 23-minute documentary that explores the tradition music of Turkey and the instruments that play crucial roles within the culture.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the music of Turkey and its cultural significance
    - Research one particular instrument that is native to Turkey
    ​- Connections between musical instruments and cultural significance
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions; note captions have some errors
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Pipa with the Toronto Symphonic Orchestra
This video and webpage focuses on the pipa, a stringed Chinese instrument. Rejuvenation, a Taoist Journey highlights the composer's use of musical form phrases, and the call-and-response between the pipa and other instruments to convey the spirituality of Taoism.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
  • Suggested use:​
    - This can be used as a listening and visual example to help teach students about melody vs harmony, and balance in a musical ensemble
    - The orchestra graph highlights which instrument sections have the melody throughout the piece
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal 
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Ring the World Around: A Multicultural Celebration for 2 or 3 Octaves Handchimes or Handbells
Book of world music for handbells available to purchase.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.5: Handbells (introduction)
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Repertoire book for music around the world that has been transcribed for handbells
    - Use as performance materials
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students  
The Güiro
The güiro is a Latin American percussion instrument consisting of an open-ended, hollow gourd with parallel notches cut in one side. The site includes information and a short video explaining how the güiro is played.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
  • Suggested use: 
    - Resource for research project of instruments from around the world
    ​- History of the ocarina and its connections to culture
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing students 
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students  
The Conga
The conga, also known as tumbadora, is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. This video showcases the sound and short history of the instrument.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce different percussion instruments from around the world
    - Use as a way to show different percussion techniques and the sounds it creates
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations may be required for hard and hearing and visually impaired students
Dan Bau: A World of Music on One String
Jason Nguyen explains this Vietnamese one-stringed instrument, how to play the instrument in order to create different pitches. He explains his own cultural memories with the instrument.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Introduce to discuss how musicians are taking traditional instruments creating fusion between different musical genres
    - Introducing different types of stringed instruments around the world
    - Use for a research project on different stringed instruments around the world
    - Discuss the similarities and differences they notice with the dan bau's sound, build, etc.
    - Use to introduce components of music (pitch, beat, rhythm)
    ​- Connections between culture and music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Ukulele
Discussion on the popularity of the ukulele and it's history. Good to pair if children are learning to play ukelele in music class.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 1.8: Ukulele (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Information on the history of the ukelele
    - Class discussion on how the ukelele is used around the world
  • Accessibility:
    - Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students  
What is a Log Drum?
The log drum is a hollow percussion instrument, also classified as an idiophone. It comes from the forest region of Guinea West Africa and can be seen in Native American cultures as well. The video is an overview of how the log drum works and the music it can create.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    ​​- Use to introduce different percussion instruments from around the world
    - Use for research project on world instruments
    - Connection to music and culture
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Behind the Doodle: Celebrating Mbira
A short video that celebrates Zimbabwe’s national instrument, the mbira.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use to introduce the mbira
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Kalimba
A 7-minute video following the Kalimba, its history and its modern day significance.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:  
    - Use to introduce the Kalimba
    - Try to identify the use of Kalimba in different songs
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
What Makes Black Gospel Musicians So Skilled? 
PBS video explaining how Black gospel music came to be, "shedding", also known as gospel drumming, and how many modern artists today have backgrounds in singing church music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Use to introduce gospel music and its lasting influence in music, rap music in particular
    - Individual research to find a rap song that uses a gospel sample
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Level II
​
First Nations Music in Canada
A PDF explaining some musical instruments of Canada. Can be accompanied by a written explanation of instruments in Canadian indigenous communities.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Page 4 of PDF can be used to introduce Indigenous musicians and their contributions to modern music
    - Introduction to Indigenous Music
    - Use a What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart chart to access prior knowledge of Indigenous Music
    - Read together as a class or popcorn read. Have students discuss what they have learned
    - Research assignment
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired; additional accommodations may be required dependent on student abilities 
Why Puerto Rican Bomba is Resistance
PBS video explaining the different instruments and rhythms used in the Puerto Rican Bomba music, as well as an outline of the history of bomba music used in resistance music for enslaved people and now in the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.2: Black music
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to explore the various instruments used in Bomba music, try to identify them in any songs the students may know
    ​- Connections between Bomba music and Black Lives Matter movement - music and societal connections
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Ocarina
The ocarina is an ancient wind instrument, that can be traced back to Mesoamerica and certain parts of Asia as well. The website explains the ocarina's rich history and there is also a short video about its history.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for research project of instruments from around the world
    - History of the ocarina and its connections to culture
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    - Additional accommodations needed for visually impaired students as video contains no dialogue 
Level III
​
T'rung and Klongput
This video demonstrates how to play two traditional Vietnamese instruments made out of bamboo: one by hitting them with mallets, and the other by clapping on the ends of the bamboo. Explanation can be found here and here.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Introducing different variations of percussion instruments from around the world
    ​- Discuss using materials available in a region to create musical instruments
    ​- Discuss the different ways humans use different objects to make different sounds and beats
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions needed
Learn How To Play Sitar: Introduction To The Instrument
The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in Hindustani classical music. This video displays how one would begin playing the sitar and techniques when learning to play the instrument. Can be used with a webpage with a description of the sitar.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for information about the sitar
    - Instrument research project
    ​- Outlines materials used to create instrument and sounds on the instrument
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Rubab: Afghan Music
The rubab, a lute-like musical instrument originating from Balochistan region. The rubab is one of the national musical instruments of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, as well where Baloch people live. This video is a short introduction to the instrument, explaining what it is and its sound.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce different stringed instruments around the world
    - Use to compare the rubab's sound, build and technique with the guitar or ukelele
  • Accessibility: 
    - Captions not available, accommodations needed
Koto
Webpage with brief description, history, and video of the koto, the Japanese harp.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:​
    ​- Use to introduce different stringed instruments from around the world
    - Use as an article for students to research
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students
Instruments of Thailand
The first resource is a website that has a list of various Thai instruments and information about them.
Additional video that showcases the sound of the ranat ek, a Thai xylophone.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce different instruments from around Thailand
    - Pick a few instruments to choose from and have students do a research project on their chosen Thai instrument
    ​- Video suggested use: Use to introduce different percussion instruments around the world
    ​- Discussion to compare how the sound and build of the Ranat Ek are to glockienspiels and other xylophones
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students
7 Chinese Classical Instruments You Should Know
A 10-minute video in which introduces various Chinese instruments, highlighting their sound and their significance within Chinese culture.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce traditional Chinese instruments and sounds. Students could choose one instrument to research
    ​- Connection between culture and musical instruments
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Covering Rock Classics on the Ancient Gayageum
In Seoul, South Korea, Luna Lee is mixing a centuries-old Korean instrument, the gayageum, with the music of rock legends.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.1: The beginning of rock music
  • Suggested use:
    - Introduce to discuss how musicians are taking traditional instruments and creating new music with other genres of music
    - Introducing different types of stringed instruments around the world
    - Use for a research project on different stringed instruments around the world
    - Discuss the similarities and differences they notice with the gayageum's sound, build, etc.
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Narashimono: Buddhist Musical Instruments
Webpage featuring instruments used in Japanese Buddhist ceremonies. Contains pictures and descriptions of the instruments as well as their significance in ceremonies.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Introduce different percussion instruments from around the world
    - Use for research project on world instruments
    - Connection between music and its uses in different cultures
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Filipino Bandurria
This resource contains two videos, the first one is a short introduction on the instrument of the Bandurria and how it works, while the second video shows talented children playing the Bandurria.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - 14 String Flipino Bandurria video: Use to introduce the bandurria
    - NAMCYA 2019 DONALLA INSTRUMENT FINALS video: Use to compare the sounds of the bandurria and the traditional guitar and the technique to intricately play the strings of the bandurria
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Korean Gayageum
A short video explaining a bit about the gayaguem, in which is a traditional Korean plucked zither, with twelve strings. The video shows students learning and playing the instrument as well.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce different stringed instruments from around the world
    - Discussing the importance of learning culture through music and instruments
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Dan Nguyet
A website that contains information about the Vietnamese instrument, the Dan Nyuyet, also known as the moon-shaped lute.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce different stringed instruments from around the world
    - Use as an article for students to research
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Dutar
The first resource is a short video that quickly introduces the Dutar, a string instrument that is commonly found within Central Asian ethnic groups. The second resource is a website with information on the instrument itself.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use website as a research article for students on world instruments
    - Use video to introduce the dutar
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Oud
The oud is a short-neck lute-type, pear-shaped stringed instrument, in which originated from the Middle East. The resource is a website that contains information about the instrument, as well as a video.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Use video to introduce the Oud
    - Identify songs they have heard that include the Oud
    - Use to compare tone and sounds produced by the Oud
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Kubing
A website in which contains information about the Kubing, a jaw harp that is found in the Philippines among the Mindanao tribes.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Use to introduce the Kubing
    - Connection between instruments and culture
    - Research project of instruments from around the world
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal 
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Making of the Mridangam - A Documentary Film
A presentation of the process of making the mridangam, an ancient instrument used in South Indian Classical Carnatic music. The documentary film covers the processes of making the wooden shell at Panruti, Tamil Nadu and the attachment of the drum heads to finish making the mridangam.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Information on traditional instrument of South Indian Classical Carnatic music
    - Different materials used to make instruments and specific sounds
    - Resource for research project on different instruments of the world
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Veena
The veena is among the oldest of Indian musical instruments. From the references to Vedic writings, it can date back to around the first millennium B.C. Temple sculptures from the 2nd century B.C. show a type of veena being played.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for information of the veena
    - Good for research project of instruments from around the world
    ​- Connection between society and music
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Udukkai
The udukkai is an hourglass shaped, membranous drum used in devotional and folk music throughout India.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for information about the udukkai
    - Good for a research project
    - Uses in devotional and folk music in India
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Tar Shehnai
The Tar Shehnai is an esraj (bowed string instrument) with an added mechanical amplifier. This amplifier fixed to the sound board of the instrument is modeled on the gramophone sound box to project a stronger, more directional sound. The amplifier gives the instrument a shehnai (reed instrument) sound quality and the overall effect is very much like a violin sound.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for information about the Tar Shehnai
    - Good for a research project on instruments from different cultures
    - Information on how sounds are produced from the instrument
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Sursringar
The sursringar is a rare string instrument that is used as a Hindustani solo instrument. It was used in Dhrupad music in the 19th century, and is regarded as a descendent of the Rabab. It has a body made out of dried gourd with a wooden cover. It has a second resonator, a neck, and metal strings. It is plucked with a metal pick.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for information about the sursringar
    - Good for instrument research project
    - Connections between musical instrument and cultural significance
    - Outlines materials used to create instrument and sounds on the instrument
    ​- Technique for how to play the instrument
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Santoor
The Santoor’s name comes from the name Shata- tantric, meaning a Veena of hundred strings. It consists of a hollow box with twenty five bridges, each having four strings resting on it. It is played with the help of two wooden mallets known as mezrabs.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Resource for information about the Santoor
    - Good for instrument research project
    - Outlines materials used to create instrument and sounds on the instrument
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Native American Musical Heritage | Arizona Instrument Makers
Arizona instrument makers Anthony Belvado, member of the San Carlos Apache Nation, and Alex Maldonado, tribal member of the Pascua Yaqui Nation, demonstrate how they preserve and build upon their musical heritage.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    ​- How one Indigenous community uses music instruments to preserve their heritage
    - Connections between music and societal issues
    - Using different materials to make instruments
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Last of the Tibetan Fiddle Makers
Xianzi is a two-stringed instrument of Tibetan origin that’s not commonly seen outside of Yunnan, southwest China. Players of the traditional fiddle don’t follow sheet music, because the instrument was passed on through word-of-mouth and folk teachers.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Traditional information about fiddles and their cultural significance in Tibet, traditional musical instrument research project
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Level I

A Pentatonic Scale Activity
Lesson plan and activity for teaching the pentatonic scale, a scale often used in East Asian music, to students. 
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - 2.8: Musical Notation (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Review major and minor scales and the sounds they create
    - Use lesson to introduce the pentatonic scale
    - Extensions are available to adjust to each grade
    - Includes audio files, visual pictures, links to nuanced words. Hands-on lesson. Students should have access to an instrument similar to the keys on the piano
  • ​Accessibility: 
    ​- ​Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Discovering the Music of the Middle East
This is a 20-minute documentary that describes the ancient music of the Middle East.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Students could complete a What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart of what they know about music in the Middle East
    - Groups or individuals could research specific aspects and present
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations needed for visually impaired students
Evolution of Music
This video shows examples of music throughout human history. The video includes music from various cultures and religions. 
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    - Students can watch this video and pick a particular sound they would like to know more about, do some research, and write a paper describing that type of music
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations needed for visually impaired students
Is Blues the Mother of All Music?
This PBS video outlines the history of blues music, and how it continues to be the influence for future musical genres like rock, heavy metal, and country.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.1: The beginning of rock music
    - 1.2: Black music
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the history of blues music
    ​- Create timelines of blues music and how it evolved into the jazz, heavy metal and country
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations needed for visually impaired students
Exploring the Tabla
Lesson plan suggestion for Grade 9. Students will explore the sounds of South Asian tabla drum and compare it with similar African and Latin drums.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discuss how the drum sounds between each cultural context are similar and different
    - Use as an introduction to different cultural music contexts
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal
    ​- Additional accommodations needed for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Caribbean Music: Calypso and Found Percussion
This link includes several different activities related to Calypso music. There is a short Introduction to Calypso music, songs to sing with calypso-style rhythms, a "found percussion" activity, Calypso-style rhythms to play on percussion, and a creative writing activity. There are also suggestions for finding recordings to listen to. Adaptable for K-12.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of Music 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Discuss how calypso music was influence by Africans who were brought over to South America, Central America and the Caribbean
    - Students listen to Calypso and ask them what they notice
    - Talk about how early steel pan drums were created
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accommodations needed
Jazz Shaped Hip Hop, but How Did Hip Hop Influence Jazz?
A 20-minute PBS video on how the musical styles of jazz and hip hop shape and influence one another. Follow Linda Diaz and LA Buckner explore the cross-pollination of the two genres through wordplay, sampling, improvisation and more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.3: Elements of Music (Advanced)
  • Suggested use:
    - Explore the genres and elements of jazz and hip hop, and the influences between the two genres
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
The Sound of NYC's Underground Vogue Scene (ft. Qween Beat)
This 13-minute PBS video explores the musical style and dance of voguing and ballroom, explaining its origins in the Black and Latino LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart on vogueing
    - Students can research famous vogue-ers and those who DJ'd for them
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
History of Rap
A website which contains information about the origins of rap and how various African communities created it.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
  • Suggested use:
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart on rap and its origins
    - History of the origins of rap, its connection to the societal events at the time
    ​- Students could choose a favourite rapper and one of their songs and look for themes related to social justice, freedom, etc.
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing students
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
The ‘whitewashing’ of Black music: A dark chapter in rock history
Resource includes videos and examples of whitewashing rock history.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.1: The beginning of rock music
    - 1.2: Black music
    - Program goals: 3, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Pre-assess and ask students where they think different music genres originate from.
    - Watch video and discuss how different popular music genres are whitewashed in society
    - Have students read article
    - Ask students questions such as: What are ways our society white washes music? What was it like for Black musicians in the past when creating music? How should we acknowledge Black musicians and their contributions to modern music?
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing students
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Didjeridu Activities
This is a lesson plan for a set of simple classroom activities, suitable for a wide range of student ages and abilities, to introduce them to the didjeridu, a traditional Aboriginal Australian instrument. Note: Requires materials to make a didjeridu and prep to adapt information regarding the instrument/origin.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Create didjeridus in class
    - Show the technique to play a didjeridu and how its technique is similar to brass instruments
    - In small groups, explore the structure of a didjeridu
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Kotekan: A Cooperative Music Activity
Lesson plan adaptable for K-12 teaching students kotekan, the basic gamelan technique of interlocking percussion parts. Includes examples, a lesson plan, and break-down of activity. Example of Kotekan video.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - 2.8: Musical Notation (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Use to introduce the rhythm of a kotekan
    - Practice the rhythms together as a class
    - Extensions and modified activities are available as well
  • Accessibility: 
    - Includes audio files, visual pictures, links to nuanced words, hands-on lesson, students should have access to both a percussion and a melody instrument
    - Accommodations needed
Talking Drums
​Adaptable lesson plan for K-12 to teach student about tonal language, talking drum, message drum, their relationships to one another and how to change the pitch of a drum.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:​
    - Explain and show what a talking drum is
    - Stretching Raises the Pitch Activity: demonstrate how pitch can be changed with rubber bands
    - Tonal Language Activity: use game to show how tone affects the meaning of what we say
    - Talking Kazoos: build kazoos and have students experiment if students can communicate without words to each other by just recognizing the tones a person is using
    - Rhythms of Language Activity: review strong and weak syllables and assign a sound to them. Create a sentence and create the rhythm by clapping or beating the drum
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Includes PDF handout, suggestions on how to make the lesson more experiential (visuals, demos)
    - Tonal language activity may be difficult to transcribe for audio-impaired students
    - Accommodations needed, student dependent 
An Introduction to Sega: The Music and Dance of Mauritius
Includes lesson plans on how to introduce sega into the classroom, along with a dance and singing activity. Adaptable for K-12.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Prior to, familiarize self with Mauritius and Sega music using the resources provided in the website
    - Introduce Mauritius and its history to students
    - Listen to recordings of Sega music and identify what instruments they hear (suggested discussion questions are also available within the resource)
    - Can use the Dancing or Singing Activity to further help students understand the rhythm and feel of Sega music
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Includes audio files, visual pictures, links to nuanced words, hands-on lesson, requires access to a map
    ​- Accommodations needed
The Birthplace of Jazz
A website that contains information about how the jazz genre originated through the African-American community.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    - Resource for teaching history and evolution of the jazz genre
    - Create a historical timeline
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accommodations needed
The Origins of Hip Hop
A 6-minute video that explains the origins of Hip Hop culture and how it began through African-American youth.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    - What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart on hip-hop and its connection to the African American community
    - Students can research famous hip-hop songs or artists
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
Haitian with Emeline
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Emeline introduces the rhythms of Haiti. Includes lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Music rhythm
    ​- Music analysis
    - connections to culture
    - Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions available
    - Transcription
Kora with Yacouba
​From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Yacouba explains the Kora instrument and how it is used. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Information and technique to play the Kora
    - Traditional music instrument research project
    - Connections to culture
    - Music history
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Who Invented Trap Music?
A 10-minute video PBS video on well-recognized fast hi-hats of trap music. This video delves into the history of trap music to find who it originated from.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Use to introduce hi-hats and trap music
    - Students can identify songs they know that use hi-hats
    - History and how to trap music evolved
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
South African Zulu with Bongi and Tshidi 
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. These two artists explore the harmonies in traditional Zulu songs and the percussive aspects of the language. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 1.7: Sources of Musical Sound
  • Suggested use:
    - Music history
    ​- Analyzing song lyrics and making connections to culture
    - Listening examples
    - Connections between percussive sounds and language
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Message Drums
​This lesson plan includes an explanation and discussion of message drums, and an activity demonstrating how they are used. 
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.3: Elements of music (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Suggested use:​
    - Prior to lesson, have drums set up
    - Discuss how music is a way for us to communicate with people. Introduce how some cultures would use drums to communicate different messages
    - In groups, students create their own drum codes and play a game of telephone to see if the message was communicate properly
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal students
    - Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Iraqi Folk with Layth 
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Layth explains vocal ornamentation and the rhythms in Iraqi folk music. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use of vocal sounds
    ​- Rhythm
    - Cross-curricular connection to dance
    - Listening example
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
History of Soul Music
A website that contains information about the origin of Soul Music and more. Soul music is genre of African American popular music that led to many later genres, from funk and dance music to hip hop and contemporary R&B.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use:
    - Music history - origins of Soul Music
    - Connections between genres; how Soul music led to later genres
    - Research project of different genres
    - Music history timeline
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessibility varies by video, some accommodations will be needed, student dependent
Jazz with Brianna
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Brianna explains scatting and musical elements of jazz. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Elements of Jazz music
    ​- Vocal sounds
    - Music analysis
    - Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Indian Classical with Falu
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Falu speaks of ornamentation use and scales in Indian singing. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use: 
    - Vocal sounds in Indian singing
    - Music theory; use of scales
    ​- Music analysis
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Hip Hop with Soul Science Lab
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. This duo explains the elements of hip hop for an elementary audience. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Elements of Hip Hop music
    ​- Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Music and the Movement
Lesson plan on analyzing the construction of important protest music during the Civil Rights Movement by using the tune of children's songs as an example.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1.2: Black music
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Song analysis
    - Connections between music and societal context
    - Re-writing song lyrics
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Level II

Argentine Folk with Sofia R. and Sofia T. 
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. These two artists explore Argentinian 6/8 rhythms with kitchen sounds! Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - 6/8 rhythm activities
    - Creating music using everyday objects
    - Composition
    ​- Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Why K-Pop is More Complex Than You Think
A 10-minute PBS video breaking down the complexities of K-pop, and how it blends the musical elements like chord progressions from ballads, EDM, and R&B to create its own unique sound.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.3: Elements of music (Intermediate)
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use:
    - Elements of music in K-pop music
    ​- Connections between K-pop and other genres of music
  • Accessibility: 
    ​- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal with available captions
    ​- Additional accommodations for visually impaired students needed
All My Relations: Celebrating Canada’s Indigenous Peoples
A lesson plan in which goes into detail about Indigenous music, dance, and history.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.6: Music of Canada
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students could complete a What I know, What I want to know, and What I learned chart of Indigenous music before and after this video
    - Discussion about why Indigenous music is not more widely acknowledged/listened to
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed 
Bomba and Plena with Juan and Julia 
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. This family explains the instruments and rhythms used in these Afro-Puerto Rican song styles. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.4: Exploring vocal sounds
    ​- 1.7: Sources of Musical Sound
  • Suggested use: 
    - Traditional music instrument research project
    ​- Music rhythm
    - Connections to culture
    - Music history
    - Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Brazilian with Fabiana
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Fabiana explains samba rhythms. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    ​- 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Music rhythm
    ​- Connections to culture
    - Music history
    - Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Cumbia with Gregorio 
From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Gregorio explains the rhythms and instruments used in cumbia dance. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.7: Music of Latin America
    - 1.7: Sources of musical sounds
  • Suggested use: 
    - Music rhythm
    ​- Connections to culture 
    - Music history 
    - Listening examples
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Around the World in Seven Scales
Provides some picture examples on different scales used in cultures around the world, including the harmonic minor, Japanese, Chinese, Persian, etc.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.3: Elements of music (Intermediate)
    - 2.8: Musical Notation (Introductory)
    - Program goals: 1, 3, 5
  • Suggested use:
    - Print out each of the guitar scales on separate pieces of paper
    ​- Have students play each and work together to match which scale matches each country
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Pop Music as Critical Text
Lesson plan on fostering critical listening and thinking skills by analyzing feminist messages in Beyonce's song lyrics and music videos. Critical Listening Guide handout and suggestions included.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2.1: Careers in music
    - 3.3: Elements of Music (Advanced)
  • Suggested use: 
    ​​- Analyzing song lyrics and making connections to societal issues and events
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Level III

Chinese Traditional with Qian Yi
​From Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers series. Qian Yi explains the pentatonic scale in Chinese traditional music, and goes through a simple new years song. Includes 2 lesson plans with lyrics, notations, pictures, and videos. Also includes a teacher resource section to learn more.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use of pentatonic scale in Chinese traditional music
    - Connections to music theory and analysis
    ​- Listening examples
    - Connection to culture
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Decolonizing the Music Room: Lunar New Year
This resource explains the importance in recognizing differences and similarities between Asian cultures, groups and diaspora in regarding to celebrating the Lunar New Year. The resource also includes links to popular folk songs. Can also use with the resource: Decolonizing the Music Room: Emergent Strategies for an Activist in Music Education.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use: 
    - Have students research about Lunar Year and types of instruments used for Lunar New Year music
    - "Shanghai Restoration Project's Album: Zodiac" can be used to listen to the different sounds and tempos of each animal in the Chinese Zodiac
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​​
What Makes Oriental Music different?
Article on the use of the pentatonic scale in East Asian music.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.5: Music of the Orient
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Discuss the difference between the major pentatonic and major occidental scales
    - Use the videos to see if students can identify the major and minor occidental scale
    - Videos can be used to help students hear the difference and contrast it to the sound of a classical piece
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Move to the Music
Two links including an article and a toolkit to help student discuss powerful social, political and cultural messages in music. Student take turns making "mini-lessons" for the class on lyrics from a chosen song.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.1: Artistic expression
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
  • Suggested use: 
    ​​- How to integrate protest music into the junior high classroom and the WHY
    - Analyzing song lyrics and making connections to societal issues and events
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
How The Civil Rights Movement Transformed "This Little Light of Mine"
This 7-minute audio clip goes through the history of the children's song "This Little Light of Mine" as a song for the Civil Rights Movement and how it continues to be a powerful protest song. Can use with additional resource: Singing for Justice: Following the Journey of "This Little Light of Mine"
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3.6: Music of the United States
    - 1.2: Black music
  • Suggested use: 
    ​​- Music history
    - Analyzing song lyrics and making connections to societal issues and events
    - Students can compare the use of this song to different genres of protest music (rock, hip-hop, rap)
    - Students can research the history of a different protest song
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accommodations needed ​
Decolonizing the Music Room
Helping music educators develop critical practices through research, training and discourse to build a more equitable future. Includes posts on songs, stories, resources and how to use strategies in practice.
​
Decolonizing the Music Room: Emergent Strategies for an Activist in Music Education
Blog post outlining 9 strategies that can be used in the classroom to decenter whiteness and center voices of colour.
Chapter 13: Musical Multiculturalism and Diversity
This chapter will look at the history of multiculturalism and diversity education, the field of ethnomusicology, and strategies for teaching using multicultural music aesthetics. It also includes case studies from several different culture areas.​
Embracing Unfamiliar Cultures in the Music Classroom
This article provides guidance on navigating the lesson design process for music teachers to move beyond the “additive” approach. Teachers can adopt a “multicultural reconstructionist perspective” (Sleeter & Grant, 2006) by encouraging their students to analyze music from social, historical, and political perspectives, inviting them to engage in social criticism and to challenge mainstream structures supporting inequity.
The most mind-blowing concept in music (Harmonic Series)
Andrew Huang explains the basics of all music. He explains that a harmonic series is the sequence of frequencies, musical tones, or pure tones in which each frequency is an integer multiple of a fundamental.
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