Musical Dissection & Generational Interviews

It's a challenge for some teachers today to capture their student's interest and create an environment of desired learning. It takes a creative teacher to step outside the box by developing engaging lessons. When working with youth and parents my goal as an educator is to have an environment which is inclusive and where the participants are active; as well as to have content that is applicable to my audience. The following are two activities I propose which have potential to reach those goals.


Activity 1: Musical Dissection

Rationale - So often people (young and old) listen to songs but really don't pay attention to the lyrics or the message. The goal of this activity is to call youth's attention to the music they are listening to by creating a greater understanding of the lyrics. Additionally, through group presentations, participants may be exposed to various songs and genres that they may not be familiar with which will broaden their musical experience.

Set Up - Have each participant choose a song of their choice. First, have them write a short description about why they selected the song and what it means to them.


Activity - Once they select their song they should find the lyrics to the song. From here, the dissection begins! They should carefully critique the song's lyrics by documenting in their own words the messages that are being conveyed to listeners. After describing the song in their own words, participants should reflect on their feelings/attitudes in a before and after dynamic. Each participant will present to their group mates their interpretation of their chosen song. In addition to their lyric dissection, their presentation should also include visuals which represent their song; this may include photographs or drawings.

Presentation - Each participant's chosen song should be played for the group prior to the presentations. Presenters should share their interpretation of the song, how their visual arts represent their song, and wrap up with their before and after experience.



Activity 2: Generational Interview

Rationale - This activity requires participation from both the student and a parent or grandparent. The purpose of this activity is to bridge generational gaps in music preference and understanding. The goal is to create a cross generational appreciation of music.

Activity Preparation - Have youth identify a parent or grandparent that would be willing to be interviewed about the music of their time. Questions should be developed prior to the interview meeting. (Sample questions: What where some of the artist during your time? What type of music did you listen to? Do you recall any controversial music? Were their mostly solo artists, or groups; male/female? etc.)

Activity - Complete interview, taking extensive notes. Summarize information learned during interview. Do research on at least one thing learned (a specific genre, artist, instrument, etc.) If needed, complete a follow-up second interview. Write a short compare and contrast paper on any similarities and/or differences of today.

Extended/Alternative Options -

• Have youth interview both a parent and a grandparent. After completing the interviews they should evaluate their own musical preferences. They then can create a musical family tree by mapping the musical preferences of the different generations.
• This could easily turn into a parent/child activity by having each interview each other, sharing their music of choice with one another. After the interview, each should write a reflection of the interview and share it with one another.