The best way to teach music from other cultures is to use authentic world music resources whenever possible, learn from culture bearers and trusted organizations, provide meaningful cultural context, and engage students through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Rather than treating world music as a special unit, teachers can incorporate diverse musical traditions throughout the school year to help students develop musical skills while appreciating cultures from around the world.
It’s been eye-opening to find that much of the music I used in my 40-year career was NOT authentic and/or had a questionable past. Unfortunately, many educators are still using these same songs and dances. This page is my aim to give you resources that I’ve researched or from sources who aim to research with the same authentic goal. However…
…our job requires much more than the planning time we are given. In your haste to get things done, don’t trust someone’s say-so, even mine. Always do your research.
Originally published April 4, 2021
Latest Update July 5, 2026
Table of Contents
Authentic World Music Resources
French-Canadian Traditional Music
Use of the most common traditional rhythm by the ancestors from Quebec is the podorythmie & cuillères (foot tapping & spoons). The music is Reel Turluté performed by La Bolduc. La Bolduc was a famous French-Canadian singer.
The singing technique is called jigging.
West Africa
Sona Jobarteh, Gambia, West Africa, and the Kora
Sona Jobarteh has become one of the most renowned kora players in the world, an instrument that traditionally was only played by men. The kora is an instrument of West Africa and dates back to the 13th-century Mali empire.
Sona’s academy focused on learning through Gambian culture, not a colonial focus. Lots of info here on Gambian music and arts culture.
Diwali
Authentic World Music Resources in the Classroom from Ashley Cuthbertson
This website is dedicated to culturally responsive music and lesson plans for your classroom. A. Cuthbertson’s site has music from many different cultures.
India
Bhangra – Dance of the Punjab with Gurdeep Pandher
Native Land
Information about Native lands and Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages including a teacher guide, searchable map, and other resources.
Indonesia
Music of Australia
Songs From Queensland Composers
Sing A-Round Australia Composed by Queensland composers, lets your students experience authentic Australia. Check it out!
“For many years, we have sung songs about squirrels, birch trees, and snow; themes unfamiliar to Australian children. Our aim with this collection is to celebrate our uniquely Australian voice— music that reflects our own landscapes, stories, and experiences.”
Aboriginal Australian Songlines
Some authentic sources for songlines, art, and music. The Playlist of Deadly Songs is where deadly means “great” and “culturally significant.”
Latinx Heritage Resources
For any time of the year, but collated for Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month, a growing group of resources.
Black History Resources
For any time of the year, but collated for Black History Month, a growing group of resources.
Literature With Cultural Variety
A growing list of literature for the music classroom with a wide variety of cultures represented.
