Dear Sis,

This is the second of ten parts in our Music Appreciation lesson plan series. If you are just finding us now, the text that corresponds with these lessons is Music is… by Stephen T. Johnson. 

Country Music

Week Seven

Approximately 20 minutes

Read playful narration “Country is…” text.

• Encourage your pre-reader to try to repeat the song and sing along. Being silly with your kids is a great way to catch their interest.
• If you have multiple learners you can make a game of it and see who can give the best performance by family vote.

Listen to our “Appalachian folk” aka. Birth of Country Music Playlist (1920s):

• “Wildwood Flower” by The Carter Family
• Jimmie Rodgers Live 1929

Week Eight

Approximately 30 minutes

Read about “COUNTRY” music text.

Watch the videos in our Instruments in Country Music Playlist:

• Country Music Instruments.
  • Introduces the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and pedal steel guitar.
• “The Way” Amanda Ventura Harmonica Blues Solo 
• Accordion Cover “He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean
• Tom Schroeder demonstrates Modern Old-Time Techniques for the Autoharp

Listen to Sample One: “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams

Listen to Sample Two: “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash

Week Nine

Approximately 20 minutes

Listen to Sample Three: “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” by Charlie Pride

Listen to our African Americans in Country Music Playlist: 

• “Pan American Blues” by DeFord Bailey
• “I Play Chicken With the Train” by Cowboy Troy
• “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker

Week Ten

Approximately 25 minutes

Listen to our Women in Country Music Playlist:

• Listen to Sample Four: “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
• “Walking’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline
• “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss
• “I Could Not Ask for More” by Sara Evans

Listen to Sample Five: “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson

Listen to Sample Six: “Big Ol’ Truck” by Toby Keith

Please tell us about your experience in the comment section. Stay tuned for the third installment: Electronica (Weeks 11-13).

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b