This page covers a wide range of topics concerning 20th century music. Included are many references to styles and composers and terms found in 20th century music.

A nice resource covering many basic music theory topics. Several of the topics include printable handouts.

The personal narrative, apart from appearing as an option in the writing component of many state assessment tests, is a form of writing which allows students the chance to reflect seriously and honestly on important events in their own...

By examining the lives and lyrics of popular, positive black female rappers such as Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill, learners can trace a direct line back to the inspirational writer and poet, Maya Angelou. Rap lyrics will help explicate...

Explore the history and influences of jazz in the state of Pennsylvania. Resource includes links to audio clips and video from artists, and stories of jazz from around the state.

An article on the history of the "Zheng," an ancient Chinese stringed musical instrument and how it is still used today in music performances.

This site begins with a detailed description of music in Ancient Egypt. Scroll down the page to find information on ancient Egyptian dancing. Although little is known about the subject, this site provides a good amount of insight. The...

Find a treasure trove of links in the Library of Congress to music, speeches, photographs, and other information about Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the editor of National Geographic Magazine, and about temperance, prohibition, and the eventual...

This encyclopedia entry gives a brief history of rap and hip hop and the influences of the music on modern culture.

A short and concise history of musical theater with two early performers and a composer highlighted.

Written for an audience accustomed to rock, this is a good history of Jazz, from the late 1800's, when the form supposedly took shape, to recommended recordings and books.

Young music students rarely see or, better still, hear a connection between the different types of scales, modes, intervals and other compositional techniques such as meter, tonality, and form used in both traditional 'Art' music and...

From being viewed as a fad, hip-hop's commercial success has allowed it to permeate virtually all aspects of popular culture. By critically analyzing hip-hop music and comparing it with established music forms, the cultural relevance,...

The songs and movies of modern times have had a major influence on fashion. Coincidentally, many of these important fashion-influencing films of recent times had one thing in common: John Travolta. From the white leisure suits ofSaturday...

The Faust theme, that of risking eternal damnation by selling one's soul to the devil in exchange for magical powers, can be found in virtually every genre of music as well as in literature and the visual arts. Examples utilizing this...

An introduction to the history of Western solo singing from ancient times to the present can be found here.

Scroll through the history of the use of popular music as propaganda until reaching the lengthy section about how music was used, not just in the United States, but throughout the world as propaganda in World War I. Find the lyrics and...

Information on the popular style of music called Motown that developed from a recording company of the same name.

Comprehensive interactive learning module explores the Vietnam War and includes maps, a timeline of important events, primary source documents, photographs, personal accounts, music, and teacher resources.

This article from Library of Congress' Performing Arts Encyclopedia gives an extensive explanation of the history of ragtime. Trace the development of the genre from the 1850s through the 1970s.

The following lesson plan uses the lyrics of four popular songs (songs that were commonly sung or played) to stimulate critical thought and discussion of what is right or wrong with American democracy.

You think you love music? You have nothing on the Ancient Greek obsession. Every aspect of Greek life was punctuated by song: history, poetry, theater, sports and even astronomy. In fact, music was so important to Greek philosopher Plato...

Learn the history of soul music from its origins in gospel music, through Motown and Memphis Soul, to contemporary rhythm and blues. The site includes three videos: Sam Cooke singing "A Change is Gonna Come," from 1964, with images from...

If you are interested in arranging your own music, you should check out the tips offered at this website. Including a history of how music was arranged, this site also gives several good ideas of how to make your arrangements interesting.