An examination of coal mining song repertoire in the Virginia elementary music curriculum with the creation and incorporation of a suggested coal mining musical unit of study

The purpose of this research was to investigate the use and applications of Appalachian coal mining songs. Virginia elementary music educators were surveyed to determine if they integrated Appalachian coal mining songs into their curricula. To identify existing Appalachian coal mining songs, the researcher examined fourth grade music and general education curricula according to the Standards of Learning for the state of Virginia and state fourth grade music textbooks. Ninety-four percent of respondents did not use coal mining songs. However, sixty-six percent would use a curriculum if available. Fifty-five percent of the educators preferred a mini-musical unit format. A coal mining song unit of study was designed for integration into elementary music curricula including an Appalachian musical, based on the book Blue-Eyed Daisy , that correlates music with the fourth grade Standards of Learning in Virginia. The musical will supplement available coal mining song repertoire in Virginia and the nation. The study could be expanded to all states in the Appalachian region to determine the extent of integration of coal mining songs in elementary general music curricula.