Good Vibrations: Positive Approaches to Teaching Popular Music


Mediacy Articles - Volume 16, No. 2

By Mark Everard

  1. Response Assignment
    Read a record or concert review and respond to it orally or in writing.
  2. Research Projects
    favourite band/artist musical style (rap, hip hop, grunge, industrial, acid jazz, new country, etc)
  3. New Music Showcase
    students play and discuss the best track from a recording they've recently discovered.
  4. Personal Writing Activity
    students write on the role music plays in their lives.
  5. Trends Survey
    students identify/discuss recent trends in popular music (grrrl groups, Madchester sound, grunge, unplugged, indie bands, etc.)
  6. Music History
    in groups, students compile chronology of major developments in popular music.
  7. Music Video Presentation
    students show/discuss music videos that they consider to be artistic or controversial.
  8. Canadian Music Contest
    students compete in groups to see who can compile the biggest list of Canadian recording artists.
  9. Oldies Day
    students play/discuss recordlngs that are at least 10 years old.
  10. Local Talent Search
    students introduce and play demo tapes of their own or friend's band.