Women in Music Timeline: Engaging History Activity for Classrooms
Ella Fitzgerald (Gottlieb 02871). November 1946. Photography by William P. Gottlieb. Wikimedia Commons. Date accessed 15 Feb. 2025
Musical Timeline of Women Who Changed Music: An Engaging Women's History Month Activity
Ella Fitzgerald, 1962. Publicity photo by Lewin/Kaufman/Schwartz, Public Relations, Beverly Hills. Public domain.
Why Celebrate Women in Music?
Women have shaped music history in every genre, from classical to hip-hop.
Despite facing historical challenges, women composers, performers, and producers have significantly influenced musical innovation, storytelling, and cultural movements.
From Hildegard von Bingen's sacred compositions in the medieval era to modern icons like Beyoncé and Missy Elliott, women have pushed boundaries and redefined music throughout history.
This engaging Women in Music Timeline activity is a perfect way to celebrate Women's History Month while reinforcing research, critical thinking, and presentation skills in your music class.
By participating in this project, students will learn about historical figures and discover contemporary women who continue to shape the music industry today.
Why I Like This Activity
This activity fosters:
✔ Historical Awareness – Students gain a broader understanding of women's contributions to music history.
✔ Critical Thinking & Research Skills – Encourages students to explore and evaluate historical sources.
✔ Presentation & Collaboration – Helps students develop public speaking and teamwork skills.
✔ Music Appreciation – Exposes students to a diverse range of genres and musical styles.
✔ Gender Representation Awareness – Highlights the importance of diversity and equity in music.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Women in Music Timeline
Step 1: Prepare the Timeline
Choose the format:
- Physical Timeline: Use a long sheet of paper or string across a bulletin board. Students attach index cards or printed templates with their musician's details.
- Digital Timeline: Set up a collaborative Google Slides, Docs, or Padlet where students add their research.
Set the time span:
- Teachers can choose to focus on a specific genre (e.g., women in jazz, pop, or classical music) or all of music history (from early composers to modern artists).
- If the scope is narrowed, teachers may assign specific time periods (e.g., Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, Modern Era) to different groups of students or allow them to pick one of interest.
- Clearly define the scope so students understand their research parameters.
Step 2: Assign or Let Students Choose a Musician
Provide a diverse list of women who made a lasting impact on music history. Here are some suggestions:
- Classical: Hildegard von Bingen, Clara Schumann, Florence Price
- Jazz/Blues: Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday
- Pop/Rock: Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Beyoncé
- Hip-Hop/Rap: Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah
Encourage student choice for added engagement and let them explore musicians who inspire them!
A fun way to assign musicians is to write their names on slips of paper and place them in a hat or container. Students can then blindly pick a name for their research.
This adds an element of surprise and encourages students to learn about musicians they may not have initially chosen.
Step 3: Research Guidelines
Each student researches their chosen musician, gathering key details:
- Name & Birth/Death Years (if applicable)
- Genre of Music
- Famous Works/Songs
- Major Achievements (awards, records, firsts in music history)
- Impact on Music & Society
- Fun Fact or Quote
- Include an image of the musician.
- Provide a link or QR code to a YouTube performance of one of their most well-known pieces or songs.
Personal Story:
A student in my grade 12 music class once asked if I liked a song by a particular female artist. I said yes, but I preferred Ella Fitzgerald's version.
I was astonished to see the blank looks on the faces of the students—none of them had ever heard of Ella!!!
This moment highlighted to me how important it is to introduce influential musicians throughout history to our students. Their legacy and impact on music should not be forgotten.
Research Tips:
✔ Encourage students to use reliable sources (library books, official websites, music history sites).
✔ Have students watch performances or listen to songs from their musician.
✔ Provide a simple research template to help them organize their findings.
Examples:
Research Template Option 1: Basic Organizer
- Musician's Name: _______________________________________
- Born/Died (if applicable): _______________________________________
- Genre: _______________________________________
- Famous Works/Songs: _______________________________________
- Major Achievements: _______________________________________
- Impact on Music & Society: _______________________________________
- Fun Fact or Quote: _______________________________________
- Image of Musician (attach or link): _______________________________________
- YouTube Performance (link or QR code): _____________________________________
Research Template Option 2: Guided Questions
- Who is this musician, and where/when were they born?
- What genre(s) of music are they known for?
- Name at least one of their most famous works.
- What are some of their significant achievements or awards?
- How did this musician influence music history or society?
- Share a fun fact or memorable quote about this musician.
- Include an image of the musician.
- Provide a link or QR code to a YouTube performance of one of their most well-known pieces or songs.
If you'd like a copy of these templates as a PDF, CLICK HERE.
Final Thoughts
This activity not only highlights women's vital contributions to music but also allows students to engage with history in a meaningful and interactive way.
By researching, creating, and presenting their findings, students develop an appreciation for diverse voices in the music industry and gain valuable skills in analysis, collaboration, and public speaking.
Whether conducted as a short-term project or an extended study, the Women in Music Timeline is a dynamic and educational way to celebrate Women's History Month and inspire a deeper love of music history in your students.
Encourage your students to continue exploring and appreciating the role of women in music beyond this activity. The impact of these artists resonates throughout history, shaping the sounds and stories we enjoy today.
Looking for more time-saving, engaging resources?
Check out MTR's collection of music teaching materials - SHOP the MTR Store or our store on TpT.
Would you like more music teaching strategies? Check out these related posts to keep your lessons fresh and interactive!
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