JAZZ & THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE

Music, Culture & Change

in 1920s Harlem

Interdisciplinary Humanities Lesson �(Grades 5–7)

Designed by Lisa Shaw

JAZZ & THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE

Music, Culture & Change in 1920s Harlem

Project Overview

Audience�Grades 5–7 | Upper Elementary / Middle School Humanities�

Learning Objective�Learners analyze how jazz music reflected social and cultural change during the Harlem Renaissance and apply central-idea thinking through discussion and written response.�

Instructional Context�Designed as an interdisciplinary humanities lesson integrating music history, social studies, and ELA skills through inquiry-based instruction.�

What to look for� • Clear learning targets framing analysis and discussion� • Use of close reading strategies applied to arts content� • Formative checks supporting higher-order thinking

I can:

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• explain how jazz reflected life in Harlem.
• identify key musical elements in a big-band performance.

LEARNING TARGETS & KEY TERMS

Renaissance

Improvisation

Syncopation

Central Idea

Harlem became a creative hotspot during the Great Migration. Black writers, artists, and musicians gathered in clubs and apartments to share new ideas and sounds.

HARLEM

IN THE 1920S

• Born 1899, Washington DC → moved to Harlem.
• Resident bandleader at the Cotton Club.
• Blended swing rhythm, brass power, and smooth piano lines.

DUKE ELLINGTON

FOCUS ARTIST

Duke Ellington’s orchestra filled the Cotton Club with vibrant, syncopated sounds that echoed the restless energy of Harlem’s streets.

CLOSE-READING EXCERPT

Read once. Underline words that describe the music.

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What feelings or images come to mind when you hear Duke Ellington’s swing rhythm? Write one word, then share with a partner.

WHAT DO YOU HEAR?

Which sentence best states the central idea of today’s reading?

Which sentence best states the central idea of today’s reading?

C. Jazz began in Europe.

A: Jazz was only dance music.

B. Jazz mirrored social change in Harlem.

Improvisation in jazz means…

C. Changing instruments during a song.

A. Playing notes exactly as written.

B. Making up melodies on the spot.

Improvisation in jazz means…

C. Changing instruments during a song.

A. Playing notes exactly as written.

B. Making up melodies on the spot.

WRITE ONE SENTENCE

How might music today influence social change?

(Turn it in or share aloud before you leave.)

Design notes

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• Content sequence moves from historical context to abstract analysis�� • Discussion prompts scaffold interpretation before written synthesis�� • Assessment prioritizes reasoning and transfer over recall

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