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.
On this GROWING resource page…
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
Global Variety
A. Cuthbertson Consulting-Authentic Resources in the Classroom
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
Aboriginal Australian Songlines
Some authentic sources for songlines, art, and music.
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.