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Ask students to name as many Canadian musicians as they can. List the names on the board and then, as a class, sort the names into categories by genre of music. Ask: In general, in what category do most of the names fit? Why do you think that is so? Then ask them to name any Canadian and/or non-Canadian jazz musicians, and to give their opinion of jazz music. Begin a Know/Wonder/Learn chart and record what they know about jazz music and what questions they have about it. Explain that they are going to learn about Oscar Peterson, a Canadian and a legend in the world of jazz music.

Direct students to Oscar Peterson: A Jazz Giant on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web Site. Have students browse the topic for 15 to 20 minutes, watching and listening in any order they wish. As they explore the information on the site, they should prepare a short summary of the highlights of Oscar Peterson’s life and musical career, and his importance in the jazz world. They can use the following questions (also available on the Download Sheet “Who Is Oscar Peterson?” as a guide.

1. When and where was Oscar Peterson born?
2. What was his family background?
3. How did he become introduced to music?
4. What important musical opportunities did Oscar Peterson have as a teenager?
5. What important break came to Peterson in late 1949?
6. How was racism a serious barrier to Peterson and other Black performers during the 1950s?
7. What role did Norman Granz play in promoting Peterson’s musical career?
8. What national and international awards has Peterson received?
9. Why was Peterson’s 1950s trio with Herb Ellis and Roy Brown considered to be such a famous jazz ensemble?
10. What is Peterson’s attitude toward his native country?

After students have completed their summaries, they can discuss their findings as a class. Add information to complete the Know/Wonder/Learn chart. Ask questions such as the following:

What do you think is the importance of Oscar Peterson’s life and career?

Why do you think Peterson is not better-known in Canada?

Why do you think Peterson is not better-known among young people?

Discuss with them the major elements of Peterson’s musical style, and how they react to it as listeners.

Students can investigate any questions left unanswered on the Know/Wonder/Learn chart and use their findings to complete the chart.