Bringing the Family Tradition in Bluegrass Music to the Music Classroom

Abstract

National Standard 9, “understanding music in relation to history and culture,” forms the basis for this article about family traditions found in bluegrass music. With historical information about the roots of bluegrass music in the Old Time tradition, the author provides helpful links and instructional strategies to help general music students identify important components and concepts found in bluegrass music. The Digital Library of Appalachia is introduced to provide sound archives available to all teachers, and a sample lesson plan is included. Also included is a suggested listening repertoire, along with recommendations for use in the general music classroom.