History and Improvisation: Making American Music features the craftspeople and musicians showcased in the MUSIC episode. MUSIC features finely crafted handmade instruments and the world renowned artists who play them. MUSIC features interviews and performances from Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Director of the Count Basie Orchestra Scotty Barnhart, banjo master Tony Ellis, LA Philharmonic timpanist Joseph Pereira, and virtuoso ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro. Instrument makers featured are Martin Guitar, Hartel Banjos, Monette trumpets, Stelling banjos, and Kamaka ukuleles.

Note to Teachers

The video "Jim Hartel & Rhiannon Giddens: Music" include depictions of blackface, starting at 2:39; in an effort to provide authentic and transparent resources about the historical experiences of Black Americans, these moments were not censored.