Instructional DVDs by Subject

Alan Lomax takes the viewer to Appalachia and shows how Southern mountain music grew and how different strains have come together to create its unique sound.

From the birth of opera in Florence with the Camerata to the genius of Monteverdi and beyond, this program looks at how opera grew into both a form of entertainment and a a vehicle for delivering incisive social, political, and cultural messages. The operettas of Offenbach and of Gilbert and Sullivan are also considered, as is opera's maturation into a worldwide phenomenon.

The finely crafted handmade instruments and the world renowned artists who play them, demonstrating the perfect blend of form and function. By exploring how various instruments are perfected, and a unique journey through our country's past, detailing the contributions of jazz and Appalachian roots music to the American cultural landscape, as well as the intersection of the guitar and political activism, and how the legacy of West African instruments is embedded in the American banjo.

In the face of horrific living conditions, Jewish inmates of Terezin concentration camp-artist, musicians, poets and writers-fought back with art and music.

Presents country folk musician, Doc Watson, playing traditional songs. Some of the accompanists: Merle Watson, T. Michael Coleman, Clint Howard & Fred Price.

The story of Mozart's opera is presented by his servant Leporello who hosts a "film within a film" that reveals the shocking secret of his master's identity. Dimitri Horostovsky sings both the roles of Leporello and Don Giovanni.

The story of an attempted seduction by Don Giovanni which leads to the death of the Commendatore the father of Donna Anna the target of the seducer. Don Ottavio, fiancé of Donna Anna upon learning of the death of the Commendatore swears to avenge his death.

The story centers around a young nobleman who is obsessed with amorous conquest. It follows his romantic exploits and continued encounters with Donna Anna, the woman who plots to destroy him.

Documentary of the trial of the music group Judas Priest on the charge of having induced two young men to attempt suicide by the effects of music and lyrics in recordings made by the group.

A look at how the narratives of music videos shape individual & cultural attitudes toward femininity, masculinity, sexuality and race.

Performance filmed at Surry Community College in 1987. Features musicians Ernest East, Scott East, Patsy East, Frank Bodie, Vernon Clifton.

Historically, griots are wandering African musicians considered to be a repository of the oral tradition. This film focuses on a master drummer, Adama Dramé of Burkina Faso, a descendant of a long line of griots. He is a contemporary griot whose mission in life is to preserve his heritage and pass it on to the next generation.

A look at the conceptualization of masculinity in hip-hop culture. Includes interviews with prominent rappers, music industry executives, and social critics.

Studies the contributions of Edgard Varese, Henry Cowell, John Cage, Harry Partch, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Dmitry Shostakovich, George Rochberg, Gyorgy Ligeti, John Corigliano, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, John Adams, Astor Piazzolla, Henryk Gorecki, and Arvo Port.

This 10-part documentary covers rock 'n' roll history from its humble beginnings in the '50s to Lollapalooza in the '90s. Experience favorite rock 'n' roll moments through hundreds of exclusive interviews, classic footage and concert performances.

David Holt tells a captivating collection of new and old tales interwoven with his own delightful music and sound effects.

10 disc set. Explores the history of jazz from its beginnings through the 1990's, including the stories of many of its creators and performers. Includes archival video, still photographs, historical performances, and newly recorded interviews and musical performances.

Latin music USA highlights the great American music created by Latinos, and celebrates the Latin rhythms at the heart of jazz, rock, country, and rhythm and blues. It's a fresh take on American musical history, reaching across five decades to portray the rich mix of sounds created by Latinos and embraced by all.

Explains how various types of music affect the brain emotionally and physically and features a discussion with Dr. Levitin on his book, "This is Your Brain on Music," which discusses how technology can be used to see the affects of music on the human brain.

From the time they are born, human beings are predisposed to learn and enjoy music. Children especially are open to it, and research increasingly has shown that exposure to music, and especially participation in making it, is invaluable in helping children's brains develop the "neural bridges" that make them stronger. This program explains why this is so and how experienced teachers use music to help children grow and learn.

This documentary examines the role music plays in shaping our brains and improving our well-being.

Kentucky is home to some of the greatest country stars of all time. Still today, inspired Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Mountain music echo from every hollow. Follows country music to its very roots, searching out local national treasures who live for the music they play. Set against the backdrop of the Kentucky countryside, seamlessly weaving wonderful music and intimate stories.

All teachers can learn to use the most basic musical instrument, the human voice, to accomplish instructional objectives. This program shows teachers successfully using singing in classroom activities for pre-school, kindergarten, and other early-year classes. It also explores why the combination of lyrics and melody work as a teaching modality.

A background of old time American music and the means by which it was made.