This six-slide resource introduces students to LL Cool J, a pioneering solo artist of the “new school” hip-hop era who helped bring rap into the mainstream in the 1980s. Known for his versatility, LL Cool J fused hard-hitting tracks with…
This six-slide resource introduces students to Mahalia Jackson, the legendary gospel singer known as “The Queen of Gospel” and a prominent voice of the Civil Rights Movement. Students will explore Jackson’s musical achievements, contributions to social justice, and enduring influence…
This six-slide resource introduces students to Johnny Cash, a pioneering figure in music whose powerful songs and outlaw persona earned him the nickname “The Man in Black.” Known for his deep baritone and narrative songwriting, Cash gave voice to working-class…
This resource explores how artists across generations have used music to express identity, challenge social norms, and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Featuring analysis of Madonna's "Express Yourself," Tracey Chapman's "Fast Car," and Lil Nas X's "C7osure," the activity highlights how…
This one slide creative prompt invites students to explore the rebellious spirit and self-expression at the heart of punk culture. Punk artists often embraced a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach—producing their own records, designing their own fashion, and publishing grassroots “fanzines.” In…
This five-slide resource invites students to explore how folk musician Pete Seeger used his banjo as a medium for protest and personal expression. Centered on the phrase Seeger inscribed on his banjo—"This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender"—the…
This two-page essay by John Goehrke highlights why Run-D.M.C. was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, focusing on the group's innovation, influence, and cultural impact rather than commercial success alone. The piece traces their groundbreaking fusion of…
This six-slide resource provides an overview of the life, music, and legacy of Sam Cooke—often called the “King of Soul.” Students will explore key facts about Cooke’s groundbreaking career, from his gospel beginnings with The Soul Stirrers to his success…
This five-slide resource introduces students to The Beatles, one of the most influential and culturally significant bands in rock and roll history. Students will explore the band’s origins, commercial success, and massive global fanbase—often described as “Beatlemania.” The presentation includes:…
This six-slide resource provides an overview of the Staple Singers, a family group known for blending gospel, soul, R&B, and folk into powerful music with a message. Students will learn about the group’s roots, chart-topping hits, and civil rights advocacy…
This five-slide resource provides an introduction to the Talking Heads, pioneers of new wave who blended punk’s nonconformity with art rock, funk, minimalism, Afrobeat, and electronic influences. The presentation highlights key facts about the band’s members—David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris…
This resource introduces students to the life, career, and cultural impact of rapper and activist Tupac Shakur. Designed as a classroom-ready slide deck, it provides a comprehensive overview of Tupac’s biography, key locations tied to his career, Billboard chart success,…
This five-slide resource introduces students to The O’Jays, a foundational group in the rise of Philadelphia soul. The presentation explores the group’s origins in Canton, Ohio, their chart-topping R&B success, and their pivotal collaboration with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon…
This resource examines the evolution of Let It Be, one of The Beatles' most debated projects, through its multiple released versions. Students analyze production differences and artistic intent across three albums: Let It Be (produced by Phil Spector), Let It…
This classroom presentation introduces students to the wide-ranging career of Todd Rundgren—an artist, producer, and musical innovator whose work spans more than five decades. Through a curated slide deck, students explore Rundgren’s evolution as a performer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, technologist, and…
This presentation resource explores similarities, differences, and collaboration between artists Lizzo and Prince. After learning biographical information about each artist, students will analyze similarities and differences between Lizzo's "BOYS" and Prince's "BOYTROUBLE." Students will also explore themes of self-expression, influence,…
This engaging resource explores how music can trigger fear and suspense through instrumentation, arrangement, and context. Students analyze three songs--The Beatles' "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!," Nine Inch Nails' "Came Back Haunted," and The Chordettes' "Mr. Sandman"--to investigate…
This activity resource introduces students to Lady Gaga’s groundbreaking career, her bold fashion and style choices, and her musical and cultural connection to Rock Hall Inductee Freddie Mercury of Queen. Students will explore Gaga’s genre-transcending artistry, her achievements in both…
This presentation resource introduces students to the multifaceted career of Jaden Smith--rapper, actor, activist, and fashion innovator--and his creative connection to rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Students explore Smith's influence, style, and philanthropic initiatives through biographical facts, fashion analysis, and listening…
This resource compares two iconic all-female groups--The Supremes and BLACKPINK--through their music, image, and cultural impact. Students explore how each group developed a successful musical "formula" rooted in lyrical themes, song structure, and production choices. Using guided prompts and listening…
This presentation resource shines a light on artists' activism through both music and actions by featuring Against Me! founder Laura Jane Grace and Rock Hall Inductee Bruce Springsteen. In this resource, students will analyze and respond to both artists' responses…
This one-slide presentation introduces young students to rhythm as the pattern of beats in music through a hands-on activity. Students first practice a given rhythmic pattern (Clap: 1-2-1, Pat: 1-2-3, Shout: 1-2-3), then create their own unique pattern using claps,…
This interactive resource invites students to explore the planning, performance, and impact of The Beatles' iconic 1969 rooftop concert--part of the multimedia release of Let It Be. Students analyze the creative and logistical decisions behind the event by comparing potential…
