Students who enjoy music should be exposed to as many different genres as possible during the learning process. Exposure to music can be augmented by visiting a few of the most group-friendly museums in the United States. From the Museum of Pop Culture to the Musical Instrument Museum, you are sure to find the perfect museum to explore on your next student group tour. 1. The American Jazz Museum Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the American Jazz Museum highlights the most legendary performers in the genre, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Charlie Parker, to name a few. The museum’s most popular exhibits include the Charlie Parker Memorial, as well as the Changing Gallery. The American Jazz Museum highlights the historical contributions of jazz, displaying classic album covers, memorabilia, and over 100 classic jazz recordings. The American Jazz Museum also showcases professional jazz musicians and hosts performances regularly in the Blue Room, a working jazz club that is open several nights during the week. Mondays are especially lively, as visitors are treated to the best and brightest jazz performers. Additionally, the American Jazz Museum is home to the Gem Theater. Originally built in 1912, it features a 500-seat performing arts center. The Gem Theater has become known for its annual Jammin’ at The Gem concert series, and the theater is home to a variety of events throughout the year. 2. Museum of Popular CultureFormerly the EMP Museum, the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP) is located in Seattle and features futuristic and musically driven displays of all that is symbolic of pop music. MoPOP is particularly interesting for students, who have the opportunity to participate in interactive exhibits, including the sound lab that features professional musical equipment such as guitars and drums, all enclosed in a soundproof room. The Museum of Pop Culture highlights the best in ‘80s and ‘90s pop and rock, including Seattle’s own Nirvana exhibit, which tells the story of the group’s rise to fame through a variety of artifacts, exclusive performance footage, and stories told by those close to the group. 3. Glenn Miller MuseumBig band leader Glenn Miller was an accomplished composer, arranger, and American bandleader who mysteriously disappeared during World War II. Opened in 2010, the Glenn Miller Museum is located in the musician’s hometown of Clarinda, Iowa, and pays homage to its namesake classic big band leader. The museum is furnished with historical memorabilia true to the to the time period during the height of Miller’s popularity. The Glenn Miller Theatre also hosts the annual Glenn Miller Festival. This year’s event will take place from June 8-11. The festival, which is intended to celebrate Glenn Miller’s music and legacy, will feature historical displays, dances, stage shows, and the opportunity for Glenn Miller fans to socialize with each other. The popularity of the museum continues to grow every year, and the Glenn Miller Festival has been honored four times as one of the top 100 events in North America, according to the American Bus Association. 4. Rock & Roll Hall of FameLocated in Cleveland, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a stunning glass pyramid-shaped building housing artifacts from past and present influencers in the rock genre. Visitors can view personal belongings of their favorite musicians, including costumes and instruments, as well as rare collectors’ items. The museum features 150,000 square feet of space spanning seven floors with stages for special events and multiple screening rooms for films. Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony. This year’s ceremony will be held on April 7 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The 42nd annual event will include the Electric Light Orchestra, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Yes, Journey, and Joan Baez as inductees, along with several celebrity presenters. 5. Musical Instrument Museum Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Musical Instrument Museum has only been open for six years, but it has already been recognized as among the top musical attractions in the United States. The Musical History Museum caters to visitors of all ages by providing an experience that allows them to get up close and personal with the instruments of the world’s most revered musicians.
The Musical Instrument Museum features five distinct musical galleries where students can explore the instruments of artists such as Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and even the Black Eyed Peas. In addition, The Musical Instrument Museum features a theater that seats 300 people that is designed to host concerts and events held by various artists. Visitors can also purchase items at the museum’s retail shop, and the Museum of Musical Instruments offers interactive guided tours for groups of 10 or more. Music instructors planning a class museum tour may want to poll their students with options to gauge where they would like to visit and what they would like to learn about. This can be a great way to engage students and foster comradery. Comments are closed.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Marina K Caprara