I use this assignment as part of the discussion of appreciative listening.  It takes a full class period (40-45 minutes).  First I hand out the Music Styles Chart.  Students fill out the before column with their opinions on all the music styles whether they have ever heard it or not.  Then I play all the styles of music.  As they listen, they complete the after column for each type of music.  When it is finished you can discuss what the students discovered. 

You can put your own music files together using the audacity program.  I've included instructions for editing music using this program.  To find free music samples you can go to this free music site.  (You don't have to use free samples - I usually have kids bring me samples to use and I cut them to 30 seconds.)

The music chart I've included is in excel so that you can change it to add your own styles that you put together.  I've also included a partial list of music genres to get you started in your search. 

I've now included the files of the music I use.  They are all 30 second clips or less.  If you want to use these clips, PLEASE right click and download each of them to your computer.  If you play them from the website, it will increase my bandwith and I will have to take the files down.

If you have questions, feel free to contact me.