Teaching Resources

Discover the life and times of famous artists—Cassatt, Monet, Rembrandt, Degas, Goya, Homer— in these fictionalized episodes based on actual events.

Explore the phenomena of sound. Why are some sounds musical and others only noise?

Discover the life and times of famous artists and composers in these fictionalized episodes, overflowing with examples of their art and music.

Sir James Galway hosts this comprehensive video survey of Western music. 16-part DVD series, 60 minutes each.

Explore the role of music and patriotism during the War of 1812

Trace the roots and branches of bluegrass in this splendid documentary.

The Music and Rhythms that Started a Cultural Revolution. 

 PBS documents the migratory history of blues told by the musicians that lived it.

A reenactment of daily life in colonial America where music was a ritual part. Great for music and history classes!

The riveting story of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra during the time of Hitler.

A musical odyssey from slave-era spirituals to contemporary rap, conducted by multi-talented "tour guide" Kerrigan Black.

This 2-part DVD traces the history of choral music from its beginnings to the present, with many musical examples.

An ideal introduction to the drama, characters and spectacle of opera! Charlton Heston narrates the story from 10 original opera settings, interspersed with excerpts from major opera productions.

These beautifully produced huge posters help illustrate concepts of including pitch, duration, tempo, structure, texture, and timbre.

3 pieces with musical and historical events from medieval to modern. 

Instrument families grouped by color show relative size, approx. number, and position in an orchestra.  With reproducible guide.

With notes on each about the sound, the roots, the pioneers the key instruments , and a quote from a musician notable in the genre.   8 posters & guide.

Follow the interwoven time lines of composers with cultural and historical notes.