“We Shall Not Be Moved” transforms itself into a song to remember Black History, Civil Rights, freedom rights around the world, and the power of music with its simplistic style perfect for learning in the music classroom. Perfect for exploring in class or performances, and easily integrated into-
I remember my older brother playing (on guitar and recordings) José Feliciano songs. I instantly fell in love with Feliciano’s sound and cool vibe and have followed him for years.
Integrate literature into the music class with these lesson plans for Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens and illustrated by Monica Mikai. This book is based on the song of the same name and is the story of what happened to enslaved Africans after the Emancipation Proclamation.
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
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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
🎵 Explore Oodles Repertoire
Looking for something else? Explore these curated music collections.
🌎 Authentic World Music Songs, activities & cultural resources
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.
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.”
The resources on this page have been researched for their authenticity and respect for Hispanic/Latino heritage, using culture bearers as much as possible!
Find authentic elementary music activities and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month. Resources include literature connections, famous musicians, decor, culture, and more.
This nationally recognized heritage month extends from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to celebrate Hispanic/Latino music, culture, people, and history.
Originally Published: January 2022 Last Updated: February 2026
Lift Every Voice for Black History Month curriculum resources.
What a wealth of wonderful songs to sing for Black History Month! Not only will you find Black History Month songs to sing but songs for listening, a musician and song database with music that’s appropriate for kids, authentic research articles and information, and decor for your bulletin boards and classroom door.
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Music activities for national days are aweekly look at a national or world day that have a connection to music! The special day is highlighted with a brief informational video, then related music videos.
It’s the MUSIC answer to Scholastic News or The Weekly Reader!
Originally published April 4, 2021 Updated March 8, 2026
🚨 Music Sub Plans for Elementary
If you need music sub plans, these “In the News” segments are a lifesaver. Each weekly topic features a self-contained informational video followed by curated musical examples. Because the content is high-interest and video-based, a non-music substitute can easily facilitate the lesson—just “plug and play” with no prep required!
Note to Substitute: Please choose any “In the News” topic from the list below. Have the students watch the short informational video first, then play the accompanying musical examples. No musical background is required, just “plug and play” and enjoy the music with the class!
May Music Activities for National Days
May 5 International Tuba Day
Big Carl-An 8′ tall tuba!
How to play the tuba.
May 12 National Limerick Day
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May 17 National Bike to School Day
This classic is in 3/4 meter!
Experience the 3s: simple sway to the beat pat-snap-snap pat one leg on 1 and with the other hand tap your chest on 2 and 3.
The Wellerman-In Am, uses the full scale. If you want to play on Boomwhackers, put octavator caps on half of your A tubes. So A (oct), B (oct), C, D, E, F, G, A’ will allow you to play along!
Evolution of Dance has lots of great dances and might be appropriate for some classes. Please review it before showing.
January 3-Women Rock! Day
Aretha Franklin
Joan Jett
My ❤️ FAVORITE rocker-H.E.R.
December in the News
December 6-Walt Disney Day
Walt Disney Day-December 6
The first Monday of December (12/06/2021)
Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901 and began as an illustrator. One of the first characters he helped create was Mortimer Mouse who later was renamed Mickey Mouse. He is known for the animated features The Three Little Pigs, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Pinocchio, Bambi, Dumbo, and Mary Poppins. Disney was a pioneer in animation and introduced several developments in the production of cartoons.
Minnie & Mickey
Disney’s 2021 Release Movie-Encanto
December 13-National Violin Day
The violin, also known as a fiddle, is a wooden chordophone in the string family. It is the highest-pitched instrument in the family, has four strings, and is played by plucking or bowing.
Pictured is a violin from 1658.
Early stringed instruments came from the Greeks, Central Asia, and the Middle East and influenced the violin that we know today which emerged in the 1500s in Northern Italy.
Once you know a few basic ukulele chords, your song selection explodes! There are hundreds of ukulele songs with only 4 chords (and an occasional 5th chord) that you are TOTALLY ready to play!
Let’s learn the G chord on the ukulele and then explore some classic and popular songs.
🍎 NEWEST Addition: Ukulele Play Along for Apple by Charli XCX
Here are some ideas to explore the wonder of the great jazz virtuoso, Thelonious Monk. You’ll find biography info, a movement activity to his fabulous piece, “Stuffy Turkey,” some links, and advanced movement options!
