Mix and match activities to create a fun lesson about pop music history. Integrate Solfeg.io in teaching about different decades in pop music and zoom into their most popular songs.
🎲 What’s included in the activities:
💻 Materials:
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎲 Activity:
What are your favorite pop musicians?
Pop music is not a separate genre but a collection of the most popular and commercial music.
Different genres and styles merge in pop music.
Pop music is often defined in negative terms - it is what's left when all the other music forms are stripped away. For example, it's distinguished from classical or art music and from folk music.
In your opinion, what is pop?
In your opinion, what isn't pop?
Do you like pop music? Why/why not?
Is the meaning of all the words clear? If not, answer students' questions or ask them to do research.
Invite each group to shortly present the characteristics they have chosen.
How is the word characteristic of pop music?
Can you give any examples from popular songs?
🕐 Time: 20 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎶 Recommended Songs:
🎲 Activity:
-Show students the slide with historical pop songs.
'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley (1961)
'Let It Be' by The Beatles (1968)
'With Or Without You' by U2 (1987)
'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John (1994) (from the movie 'The Lion King')
-The introduction of vinyl singles, called '45' or '7-inch' (played at the speed of 45 revolutions per minute, diameter of 7 inches), by Sony in 1949 is sometimes mentioned as the beginning of modern pop music.
-Play Intro and Verse 1 from 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. It was recorded in 1961.
He is often called the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' - a music genre that emerged in the 1950s in the United States, influenced by blues, rhythm and blues, country and other musical styles.
He was not only a singer and guitar player but also an actor.
Also known for his provocative dancing style.
He is the best-selling solo music artist of all time, and has the most gold and platinum albums.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He lived in his mansion Graceland until his death at the age of 42. It is now turned into a museum.
He won three Grammy awards.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎶 Recommended Songs:
🎲 Activity:
- Continue to tell your students about the history of pop music. Here are some cool facts divided by decade! In the 1960s:
- Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Let It Be' by The Beatles. It was recorded in 1968.
The band formed in Liverpool, UK in 1960 and broke up in 1970.
The band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
The first band to play in a stadium: Shea stadium in New York in 1965.
Considered the best-selling band of all time.
They became very popular, their fan frenzy is called Beatlemania.
Their musical style embraced the 1950s rock 'n' roll and was influenced even by folk music, Indian classical music, psychedelia and hard rock.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎶 Recommended Songs:
🎲 Activity:
-In the 1970s, pop music was influenced mainly by rock and disco.
-The 1980s was an important decade for pop music.
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'With Or Without You' by U2, a breakout hit from the 1980s. It was recorded in 1987.
U2 is an Irish band, formed in 1976.
The band consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion).
U2 set a new standard for the concert format in stadiums and arenas, incorporating visualizations.
They released 14 studio albums, one of them is even called 'Pop' (1997).
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎶 Recommended Songs:
🎲 Activity:
-In the 1990s:
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John, the anthem of love, recorded in 1994. It was featured in the film 'The Lion King'.
Sir Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer.
One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His best-selling single 'Candle in the Wind' was dedicated to Princess Diana.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 Time: 5 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎲 Activity:
Which song (-s) would you choose as characteristic of the decades after 2000? Why?
Are these songs different from the historical pop songs you heard earlier? How?
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎲 Activity:
-Invite students to explore the charts and find which song was the number one the year and the date they were born.
https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
https://top40weekly.com
https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/
-Ask your students to explore and do the following things:
🕐 Time: 5 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎲 Activity:
🕐 Time: 10 min
🎯 Objectives:
🎲 Activity:
Challenge students to go beyond the lesson by...
In this lesson, students will grasp the variety of pop music and its definitions. They will discover the history of pop music through some of its most iconic songs and explore the number one songs of different times and compare them to modern pop music.
The timing and pacing of the exercises in this lesson plan example are approximate and will differ depending on your students' skill level. If the pace of this lesson plan is too fast for you, divide it into several lessons. If the pace of this lesson plan is too slow for you, explore the 'Beyond the lesson' chapter at the end of this lesson plan for additional activities.
⏰ Time: 50 min
🎓 Grades: 5-12
🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson students will be able to...
💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:
💻 Materials:
🕐 10 min - Defining pop music
What are your favorite pop musicians?
Pop music is not a separate genre but a collection of the most popular and commercial music.
Different genres and styles merge in pop music.
Pop music is often defined in negative terms - it is what's left when all the other music forms are stripped away. For example, it's distinguished from classical or art music and from folk music.
In your opinion, what is pop?
In your opinion, what isn't pop?
Do you like pop music? Why/why not?
Is the meaning of all the words clear? If not, answer students' questions or ask them to do research.
Invite each group to shortly present the characteristics they have chosen.
How is the word characteristic of pop music?
Can you give any examples from popular songs?
🕐 20 min - History of pop music
-Show students the slide with historical pop songs.
'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley (1961)
'Let It Be' by The Beatles (1968)
'With Or Without You' by U2 (1987)
'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John (1994) (from the movie 'The Lion King')
-The introduction of vinyl singles, called '45' or '7-inch' (played at the speed of 45 revolutions per minute, diameter of 7 inches), by Sony in 1949 is sometimes mentioned as the beginning of modern pop music.
-Play Intro and Verse 1 from 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. It was recorded in 1961.
He is often called the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' - a music genre that emerged in the 1950s in the United States, influenced by blues, rhythm and blues, country and other musical styles.
He was not only a singer and guitar player but also an actor.
Also known for his provocative dancing style.
He is the best-selling solo music artist of all time, and has the most gold and platinum albums.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He lived in his mansion Graceland until his death at the age of 42. It is now turned into a museum.
He won three Grammy awards.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
- Continue to tell your students about the history of pop music. Here are some cool facts divided by decade! In the 1960s:
- Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Let It Be' by The Beatles. It was recorded in 1968.
The band formed in Liverpool, UK in 1960 and broke up in 1970.
The band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
The first band to play in a stadium: Shea stadium in New York in 1965.
Considered the best-selling band of all time.
They became very popular, their fan frenzy is called Beatlemania.
Their musical style embraced the 1950s rock 'n' roll and was influenced even by folk music, Indian classical music, psychedelia and hard rock.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1970s, pop music was influenced mainly by rock and disco.
-The 1980s was an important decade for pop music.
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'With Or Without You' by U2, a breakout hit from the 1980s. It was recorded in 1987.
U2 is an Irish band, formed in 1976.
The band consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion).
U2 set a new standard for the concert format in stadiums and arenas, incorporating visualizations.
They released 14 studio albums, one of them is even called 'Pop' (1997).
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1990s:
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John, the anthem of love, recorded in 1994. It was featured in the film 'The Lion King'.
Sir Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer.
One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His best-selling single 'Candle in the Wind' was dedicated to Princess Diana.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 5 min - Exercise 1 - After 2000s
Which song (-s) would you choose as characteristic of the decades after 2000? Why?
Are these songs different from the historical pop songs you heard earlier? How?
🕐 10 min - Exercise 2 - Pop Music Family Tree
-Invite students to explore the charts and find which song was the number one the year and the date they were born.
https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
https://top40weekly.com
https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/
-Ask your students to explore and do the following things:
🕐 5 min - Discussion
Challenge students to go beyond the lesson by...
In this lesson, students will grasp the variety of pop music and its definitions. They will discover the history of pop music through some of its most iconic songs and explore the number one songs of different times and compare them to modern pop music.
The timing and pacing of the exercises in this lesson plan example are approximate and will differ depending on your students' skill level. If the pace of this lesson plan is too fast for you, divide it into several lessons. If the pace of this lesson plan is too slow for you, explore the 'Beyond the lesson' chapter at the end of this lesson plan for additional activities.
⏰ Time: 50 min
🎓 Grades: 5-12
🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson students will be able to...
💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:
💻 Materials:
🕐 10 min - Defining pop music
What are your favorite pop musicians?
Pop music is not a separate genre but a collection of the most popular and commercial music.
Different genres and styles merge in pop music.
Pop music is often defined in negative terms - it is what's left when all the other music forms are stripped away. For example, it's distinguished from classical or art music and from folk music.
In your opinion, what is pop?
In your opinion, what isn't pop?
Do you like pop music? Why/why not?
Is the meaning of all the words clear? If not, answer students' questions or ask them to do research.
Invite each group to shortly present the characteristics they have chosen.
How is the word characteristic of pop music?
Can you give any examples from popular songs?
🕐 20 min - History of pop music
-Show students the slide with historical pop songs.
'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley (1961)
'Let It Be' by The Beatles (1968)
'With Or Without You' by U2 (1987)
'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John (1994) (from the movie 'The Lion King')
-The introduction of vinyl singles, called '45' or '7-inch' (played at the speed of 45 revolutions per minute, diameter of 7 inches), by Sony in 1949 is sometimes mentioned as the beginning of modern pop music.
-Play Intro and Verse 1 from 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. It was recorded in 1961.
He is often called the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' - a music genre that emerged in the 1950s in the United States, influenced by blues, rhythm and blues, country and other musical styles.
He was not only a singer and guitar player but also an actor.
Also known for his provocative dancing style.
He is the best-selling solo music artist of all time, and has the most gold and platinum albums.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He lived in his mansion Graceland until his death at the age of 42. It is now turned into a museum.
He won three Grammy awards.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
- Continue to tell your students about the history of pop music. Here are some cool facts divided by decade! In the 1960s:
- Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Let It Be' by The Beatles. It was recorded in 1968.
The band formed in Liverpool, UK in 1960 and broke up in 1970.
The band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
The first band to play in a stadium: Shea stadium in New York in 1965.
Considered the best-selling band of all time.
They became very popular, their fan frenzy is called Beatlemania.
Their musical style embraced the 1950s rock 'n' roll and was influenced even by folk music, Indian classical music, psychedelia and hard rock.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1970s, pop music was influenced mainly by rock and disco.
-The 1980s was an important decade for pop music.
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'With Or Without You' by U2, a breakout hit from the 1980s. It was recorded in 1987.
U2 is an Irish band, formed in 1976.
The band consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion).
U2 set a new standard for the concert format in stadiums and arenas, incorporating visualizations.
They released 14 studio albums, one of them is even called 'Pop' (1997).
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1990s:
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John, the anthem of love, recorded in 1994. It was featured in the film 'The Lion King'.
Sir Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer.
One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His best-selling single 'Candle in the Wind' was dedicated to Princess Diana.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 5 min - Exercise 1 - After 2000s
Which song (-s) would you choose as characteristic of the decades after 2000? Why?
Are these songs different from the historical pop songs you heard earlier? How?
🕐 10 min - Exercise 2 - Pop Music Family Tree
-Invite students to explore the charts and find which song was the number one the year and the date they were born.
https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
https://top40weekly.com
https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/
-Ask your students to explore and do the following things:
🕐 5 min - Discussion
Challenge students to go beyond the lesson by...
In this lesson, students will grasp the variety of pop music and its definitions. They will discover the history of pop music through some of its most iconic songs and explore the number one songs of different times and compare them to modern pop music.
The timing and pacing of the exercises in this lesson plan example are approximate and will differ depending on your students' skill level. If the pace of this lesson plan is too fast for you, divide it into several lessons. If the pace of this lesson plan is too slow for you, explore the 'Beyond the lesson' chapter at the end of this lesson plan for additional activities.
⏰ Time: 50 min
🎓 Grades: 5-12
🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson students will be able to...
💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:
💻 Materials:
🕐 10 min - Defining pop music
What are your favorite pop musicians?
Pop music is not a separate genre but a collection of the most popular and commercial music.
Different genres and styles merge in pop music.
Pop music is often defined in negative terms - it is what's left when all the other music forms are stripped away. For example, it's distinguished from classical or art music and from folk music.
In your opinion, what is pop?
In your opinion, what isn't pop?
Do you like pop music? Why/why not?
Is the meaning of all the words clear? If not, answer students' questions or ask them to do research.
Invite each group to shortly present the characteristics they have chosen.
How is the word characteristic of pop music?
Can you give any examples from popular songs?
🕐 20 min - History of pop music
-Show students the slide with historical pop songs.
'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley (1961)
'Let It Be' by The Beatles (1968)
'With Or Without You' by U2 (1987)
'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John (1994) (from the movie 'The Lion King')
-The introduction of vinyl singles, called '45' or '7-inch' (played at the speed of 45 revolutions per minute, diameter of 7 inches), by Sony in 1949 is sometimes mentioned as the beginning of modern pop music.
-Play Intro and Verse 1 from 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. It was recorded in 1961.
He is often called the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' - a music genre that emerged in the 1950s in the United States, influenced by blues, rhythm and blues, country and other musical styles.
He was not only a singer and guitar player but also an actor.
Also known for his provocative dancing style.
He is the best-selling solo music artist of all time, and has the most gold and platinum albums.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He lived in his mansion Graceland until his death at the age of 42. It is now turned into a museum.
He won three Grammy awards.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
- Continue to tell your students about the history of pop music. Here are some cool facts divided by decade! In the 1960s:
- Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Let It Be' by The Beatles. It was recorded in 1968.
The band formed in Liverpool, UK in 1960 and broke up in 1970.
The band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
The first band to play in a stadium: Shea stadium in New York in 1965.
Considered the best-selling band of all time.
They became very popular, their fan frenzy is called Beatlemania.
Their musical style embraced the 1950s rock 'n' roll and was influenced even by folk music, Indian classical music, psychedelia and hard rock.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1970s, pop music was influenced mainly by rock and disco.
-The 1980s was an important decade for pop music.
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'With Or Without You' by U2, a breakout hit from the 1980s. It was recorded in 1987.
U2 is an Irish band, formed in 1976.
The band consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion).
U2 set a new standard for the concert format in stadiums and arenas, incorporating visualizations.
They released 14 studio albums, one of them is even called 'Pop' (1997).
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
-In the 1990s:
-Play Verse 1 and Chorus 1 from 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John, the anthem of love, recorded in 1994. It was featured in the film 'The Lion King'.
Sir Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer.
One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His best-selling single 'Candle in the Wind' was dedicated to Princess Diana.
What are the lyrics about in this song?
What instruments are played in this song?
How would you describe the mood of this song?
How would you describe the song structure (written above the vocal line). Is it simple or complex?
🕐 5 min - Exercise 1 - After 2000s
Which song (-s) would you choose as characteristic of the decades after 2000? Why?
Are these songs different from the historical pop songs you heard earlier? How?
🕐 10 min - Exercise 2 - Pop Music Family Tree
-Invite students to explore the charts and find which song was the number one the year and the date they were born.
https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
https://top40weekly.com
https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/
-Ask your students to explore and do the following things:
🕐 5 min - Discussion
Challenge students to go beyond the lesson by...
