NOVEMBER MUSIC LESSON TEACHING RESOURCES PART 1 for 2024

composers free resources listening activities music education

Teaching without resources is like trying to build a house without power tools. It's definitely possible, but it will take a lot of effort and will probably result in a few too many compromises.

Thanks to the Internet, finding teaching resources has never been easier. However, finding the best ones that interest the students is not a walk in the park. How can music teachers identify the resources that can engage learners and increase student success?

The best music lesson teaching resources are linked to real-life people and events. MusicTeacherResources (MTR) produces learning materials with that mission in mind. This November, we are connecting our resources with 11 notable artists. To help you get started, we've listed those resources below.

3 NOVEMBER is Jake Shimabukuro's Birthday

Jake Shimabukuro is a Japanese-American ukulele virtuoso and composer known for his fast and complex finger-work. He began playing the ukulele at the age of 4.

Shimabukuro achieved international fame in 2006 when a video of him playing a virtuosic rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" went viral on YouTube.

Having played for almost 40 years, Shimabukuro has made a career by taking the ukulele to the next level.

Learn more about Shimabukuro and his music with this MTR resource:

LISTENING LESSON: Listen to Jake's version and George Harrison's version of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. Use this FREE Compare and Contrast Listening Response sheet.

6 NOVEMBER is John Philip Sousa's Birthday

John Philip Sousa was an American musician and composer.

He wrote military marches and other patriotic music. His best-known works are "Semper Fidelis" (the Official United States Marine Corps march) and "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (the National March of the United States of America).

Sousa's stirring marches will survive as long as band music is played.

Learn more about Sousa and his music with these printable and digital MTR resources.

7 NOVEMBER is Joni Mitchell's Birthday

Roberta Joan Mitchell, professionally known as Joni Mitchell, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and is considered one of the greatest female acoustic guitarists in recent music history.

Mitchell's songs often reflect social and environmental ideals and her feelings about romance, confusion, disillusionment, and joy. Her 1971 album Blue is often cited as one of the best albums ever.

She has received many accolades, including nine Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 2002, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.

I've played Big Yellow Taxi for students to write, comment or discuss the message/s contained in the song.

Learn more about Mitchell and her music with this printable and digital resource.

8 NOVEMBER is Bonnie Raitt's Birthday

Bonnie Lynn Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter.

Raitt achieved international fame due to her deep, gravelly voice and fingers flying across a slide guitar.

She is best known for her songs "Nick of Time", "Something to Talk About", and the ballad "I Can't Make You Love Me."

Raitt has received 10 Grammy Awards.

Learn more about Bonnie Raitt and her music with this MTR resource.

14 NOVEMBER is Aaron Copland's Birthday

Aaron Copland was an American composer who wrote modern tonal and film music. His music has become a significant part of American history.

Copland's major works blend a wide range of national musical influences with a modern technique and style.

His best-known compositions include Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.

This short YouTube video provides an excellent introduction to Aaron Copland and is a helpful site for students to find information on how to complete the Copland Foldable activities!