Abstract

Globally, developments in social networking are rapidly changing the way that people interact with one
another and within groups. This leads to transforming practices of community and even culture.
Music has always been a “window” into a culture. When students learn to appreciate and understand
the music of a people group this leads to understanding something about their collaborative lives.
Now, more than ever, with definitions of community and culture constantly changing, K-12 students
need a solid exposure to music from around the world.
Using the common, familiar environment of YouTube, students are introduced to unfamiliar
musics from all over the globe. “World Music Teaching Treasures” from all continents, representing
many types of musical expression, have been explored. The resulting product is a collection of
eighteen video compilations intended for use in K-12 music classrooms. They can be found at
sharemylesson.com, a professional social network for teachers.