Goal:  Familiarize students with Anglo-Scots-Irish Old Time Music and its influences on Iowa musicians and music.

Objectives:  Students will be able to:

1. Discuss the roots of Old Time music
2. Identify local artists and the instruments they use.
3. List some state gatherings that highlight Old Time music.

Questions to be answered:

1. What are the roots of old time music?
2. Who are some local artists performing old time music?
3. What are some instruments used in old time music?
4. Where do some local artists perform?

Suggested Methods and Activities:

1. Students research the roots of old time music and write a summary.
   Links for resources:
   • Iowa Folklife Volume II, Old Time Music Unit
   • Spotlight on Music
   • Making Music Reference Articles

*This activity most appropriate for grades 6-10.

2. Students research and share information about local artists associated with old time music.  Include information on the lyrics, instruments, musical influence and the culture from which the music originated.
   Visit links:
   • Al Murphy: Old Time Fiddler
   • Guy Drollinger: Fiddler
   • Bill Melton: 5th-Generation Musician
   • Bob Black: Bluegrass Banjo Player
   • Larry Beam: Dobro player
   • Dwight Lamb: Old Time Fiddler and Danish button Accordionist
   • Matney Sisters: Siouxland, Anglo-American gospel and boogie-woogie
   • PBS Old Time Country Music

*This activity most appropriate for grades 6-10.

3. Students discuss the various instruments used in old time music. Invite an old time musician to the class or have students play these instruments bring them to class and perform for their classmates. List and research the various instruments.
   • Go to the Old Time Music Unit and listen to the audio clips
   • Playing Old-Time Tunes

*This activity may be used with all grade levels.

4. Students will use the internet to discover various festivals, contests, events, etc. where old time music is highlighted in the state of Iowa. Students will watch clips or attend a live performance. Ask students to interview people who are playing today and ask about their connection to the music.
   

• Iowa Friends of Old Time Music

*This activity may be used with all grade levels.

5. Students will research old time music from other cultures in Iowa (e.g. Polka, Scandinavian Old Time). Refer to online resources above as well as:
   • Playing Old-Time Tunes
   • Czech- and German-American Polka Band Music
     
   • Preserving Community: Scandinavian-American Music Making
   • Becky Livermore and Terry Ard
   • Dwight Lamb
   • Tim Britton
   • Beth Rotto

*This activity may be used with grades 9-12.

Lesson Plans created by World of Difference and Riki Saltzman. For multicultural programming in your classroom, go to World of Difference.