Links to Jazz Resources
NEA Jazz in the Schools is a web-based curriculum and DVD toolkit that explores jazz as an indigenous American art form and as a means to understand American history.
Offering sound clips, information about jazz events, a directory of jazz societies (by state and country), links to other jazz websites, and four online “classes” featuring Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Carter.
Cross-Curricular Lessons and Activities for Jazz Appreciation Month
Author Phil Nast produced this insightful blog, offering ideas for teaching students about jazz in math, history, art, English and music classes. The blog also features links to available resources that can be used for lessons.
Jazz in America from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
This award-winning resource features an extensive library of jazz materials, as well as lesson plans and other learning links. The Institute also hosts an engaging page for teaching students about the Blues.
Presents sheet music, essays, and video and sound clips related to ragtime. This distinctly American music appeared (in its published form) during the mid-1890s mainly in the South and Midwest, spread across the U.S. and to Europe, and influenced early jazz styles. Learn about Scott Joplin, one of the best known ragtime players. Hear segments of his classic “Maple Leaf Rag,” which helped spread the ragtime craze. See more than 100 pieces of sheet music.
This page features links to free federal resources, including PBS resources for Ken Burn’s jazz documentary.
Another excellent resource from the Smithsonian.
Educational Resources from JazzDay.com
The official site for International Jazz Day, which is April 30, is a great stop for educators looking for resources and information for teaching jazz. The resources page features links to the most popular and useful jazz teaching websites.
Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with EDSITEment
The National Endowment for the Humanities produced this resource, which features a wide variety of teaching aides. There are lesson plans, links to online jazz collections, possible topics for research projects, and much more.
The Kennedy Center for the Arts has a number of free jazz learning resources online, including featured videos and audio clips, recommended reading, classroom ideas, and plenty of other useful links.