How To Blues
Grades 4-8
Students broaden their understanding of African American culture through a study of the history, philosophy, and performers of the blues, as well as participate in related musical activities. An emphasis is on the role of improvisation, an important factor in this unique African American music and poetry art form, first heard around the turn of the century.
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/guides/1997/5/97.05.03.x.html
Blues Lyrics
Grades 6-9
This lesson examines both the content and form of lyrics in blues songs. In addition to highlighting the basic musical form of a blues song, it also addresses the use of floating verses in blues music, both within the context of the original era in which the songs were sung and also in relation to how this practice is perceived today.
http://www.pbs.org/theblues/classroom/intlyrics.html
A Snapshot of Delta Blues
Grades 6-9
What ultimately influences a musician's creations? Is it the time in which he/she lives, his/her personal experiences, the music of the time and previous times, or the image the artist hopes to convey? This lesson explores these questions by looking at the life and times of two early bluesmen: Skip James and Robert Johnson. Students consider what influenced both men, their unique musical contributions, their public personae, and their legacies.
http://www.pbs.org/theblues/classroom/intdelta.html
Finding the Story in the Song
Grades 6-9
The lesson deals with the song "Barbara Allen," a folk song of European ancestry, widely sung and collected in the U.S. It can be used in Music, Social Studies or English classes. Students will be able to identify and discuss themes expressed in song lyrics; analyze the social use and historical meaning of a song; write a verse of a song drawing on contemporary events.
http://www.pbs.org/americanrootsmusic/pbs_arm_itc_lesson_one.html
Life Reflections in Songwriting and Poetry
Grades 6-12
This unit showcases how songwriters create lyrics for their songs through different styles, inspiration and reflecting on life experiences. Students will analyze and discuss the artists' work, create a journal documenting their own life experiences and write their own song or poem.
http://www.opb.org/education/atschool/lesson.php?rowid=74
Songs of War
Grades 6-12
Popular culture can both glorify and be critical of war. In this activity, students will learn about some romanticized songs that were written about the battles of the U.S.-Mexican War. Focusing on the song "The Death of Ringgold," students will explore the reasons why such a song was written, analyze some of the components of the song, and then apply their knowledge by writing a new song about the same topic.
http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/educators/songs_of_war.html
A Guide Through the Culture of the Blues
Grades 7-12
Today, many people have at least heard of the “Blues.” What teachers and students alike might not know is the history and development of the Blues in this country. The Blues is more than just moaning about how bad life is. Its style, humor and form have shaped and defined a prospective about life which is as American as “Drive Thru.” This unit outlines the beginnings of slavery and pre-middle passage musical song forms of West Africa. It also makes a link that traces modem “Rap” to “Big Band,” “Bee Bop,” “Rock and Roll,” “Gospel,” and “Folk Songs.” Singing the blues can be fun and educational for teachers and students alike.
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/guides/1997/5/97.05.11.x.html
Hearing Between the Lines
Grades 7-12
Students will listen to and read lyrics from popular songs that explore themes of self-esteem, body image, and eating disorders. The song interpretations will serve as a jumping-off point to deeper discussion on the issues, culminating in a writing exercise.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/selfimage2/index.html
Film Scoring: Living a Creative Life
Grades 9-11
This lesson plan develops awareness of how music is used in film and advertising to influence our perceptions and emotions. Activities help students look at career choices and life goals while learning about film scoring and how to use music to enhance a film clip.
http://www.opb.org/education/atschool/lesson.php?rowid=73
Sondheim: Creating a Context
Grades 9-12
Working as a class and in small groups, students explore the genre of musical theatre and examine the ways that musicals reflect the cultural context in which they were developed. They are also introduced to famous composers, lyricists, and choreographers in the musical theatre genre. Finally, students draw conclusions about the extent to which the concept of Broadway has permeated American culture.
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2197/
Poets Got Them Blues
Grades 9-12
Students will analyze and interpret blues lyrics, exploring how historical events and social issues shaped songs by W.C. Handy, Skip James, and J.B. Lenoir. Students will identify poetic elements in blues songs, and will draw connections between blues songs and two poems based on blues elements: Langston Hughes's "The Weary Blues" and Kevin Young's "Player Piano." Finally, they will reflect on current social issues and write original poetry based on research.
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3657/
Learning from Lyrics
Grades 9-12
Students research contemporary songs (alternative, country, metal, pop, rap, and rock music) to study current social issues. They deliver oral presentations using factual data, graphics, and other media to interpret the song lyrics.
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2058/
Learning the Blues
Grades 9-12
Students will become familiar with the characteristic form and sound of the blues; learn about the history and evolution of the blues in relationship to the African-American experience; examine the structure and language of blues lyrics; and compose blues lyrics that reflect present-day attitudes and concerns.
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=267
Overview
