The intentions for this page include a playspace for educators, parents, students, musicians, and more to participate in learning about the wonderful ways in which music can connect us all!  You can travel to different areas of the globe to learn about the genres of music and types of instruments that various cultures hold dear.  

As the creators of this interactive site, we value the participation of those who view and play with the elements we have included.  We encourage you to add details about what you know about music and global learning.   Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to learning about differences in all of us.  Enjoy having the world of music right here at your fingertips! 

Musicians and their lyrics have helped shape cultures around the globe throughout history.  With music, certain messages develop the power to transcend culture and connect us all.  Here are some quotes and lyrics from various artists.

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"Won't you help me sing these songs of freedom" - Bob Marley

"Don't hide yourself in regret. Just love yourself and you're set." - Lady Gaga

"All you need is love, love, love is all you need." -The Beatles

" We are family.  Get up, everybody, and sing.  Living life is fun and we've just begun to get our share of the world's delights.  High hopes we have for the future
and our goal's in sight."  - Sister Sledge

"It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine." - REM

"Tell me why are we so blind to see, that the ones we hurt are you and me." - Coolio

"We learned more from a three minute record than we ever learned from school." -Bruce Springsteen

"If you smile at me I will understand, cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language." - Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Jefferson Airplane


Some instruments have helped shape the types and styles of music that have developed and continue to develop in different countries.  Here are some examples of some instruments and their countries of origin.

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Mandolin
Country of origin: Italy
For more information about this Italian instrument: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandolin 
Or click on the image to hear some Mandolin sounds.

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Lyre
Country of origin: Greece
Find out how this instrument influenced Greek culture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyre 
Or click on the image to hear some Greek Lyre sounds.

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Koto
Country of Origin: Japan
The koto and Japanese musical culture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_(musical_instrument)
Or click on the image to hear the Koto sound.






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Didjeridoo
Country of Origin: Australia (by Aborigines)
To find out more about this unique instrument, click: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didgeridoo
Or click on the image to hear the didjeridoo sound.

Interactive Music
You can use this link to explore a "world of music" on a clickable, interactive music map.
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Here are links to videos of music being used as a means for education and socialization throughout the world.


Here are some examples of videos from around the world.  Some feature national anthems, others show cultural school programs.  Among many other things, music can have endless influences on culture, identity, education, and interconnectedness.

Maori Iwalani School of Dance Performance

Swiss Performance of Traditional Alphorn

India's National Anthem Performed by a Young Student


How do you use music to connect students to the world?  How does global music fit into your classroom?   Please share your thoughts and ideas in the forum below or
on our blog!