Music of US Episodes
We offer a rich set of standards-based Episodes connecting to a range of music styles and to civics and history topics. We have a four Episodes available to use with your students now, with more on the way.
Teachers! We are offering supported CLASSROOM PILOTS of our new Episodes this winter and spring. Interested?
“Far Away Blues” and the Great Migration
Explore the Great Migration through a 1920s blues song about leaving home to find a better life.
Sung by Clara Smith and Bessie Smith, two of the biggest singing stars of their era.
"Far Away Blues" and breakout Blues singers Clara Smith and Bessie Smith
Explore the voices, lives, and impact of Clara Smith and Bessie Smith, two stars singing together, and make connections to music and life today.
Fletcher Henderson: Changing the Tune: Black Americans and Popular Music in the 1920s
Discover how this singular musician broke through music industry segregation to influence popular music across the country and the world.
Fletcher Henderson: Coming out Swinging in the Great Depression
Explore how Fletcher Henderson responded to the challenges of the Great Depression, how he influenced fellow musicians, and how that might have helped him change the music of his time.
James Reese Europe & “Castle House Rag”
Students explore how one musician served his community, his country, and helped introduce the world to Jazz.
In each episode, students discover important music, musicians, and performers that reflected and contributed to the rich fabric of U.S. history and culture, while making connections to themselves and society today.