Grade 4, Unit 6, Lesson 1

The word fusion refers to the melting together of two different items. In music, the term was first officially used in the mid 1970s to describe music that combined jazz and rock styles. Later, the definition of fusion moved beyond the fusion of jazz with other styles of music. It became the blending of music from not only different styles but also different cultures.

An excellent example of fusion music is the world renowned sitar player, Ravi Shankar (b. 1920). Shankar is from India and has worked with various artists from different musical styles and cultures. Some of the people Shankar has worked with include violinist Yehudi Menhuin (1916–1999) and jazz legend John Coltrane (1926–1967).

For a fun activity work with family members or friends and brainstorm different types of fusion music you could create. Be sure to consider instruments and voices for each different musical style you wish to blend.

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