Alternative Songwriting Ideas
Essential Questions:
Introduction:
Homework/Extension:
- What are some alternative methods of expressing musical ideas apart from writing and performing original lyrics?
- Student(s) will create an ecological parody using one of their favorite songs.
- Student(s) will compose original lyrics in a free verse style that may or may not be read with background music.
- Student(s) will create an image video that parallels the lyrics to a classmate’s original songs
- Student(s) will create a piece of visual art that parallels the lyrics to a classmate’s original song.
- Student(s) will choreograph body movement to accompany a classmate’s original song.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5
- Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- Visual Art Worksheet
- Bodily Kinesthetic Worksheet
- Classroom computers/electronic devices
- Student cell phones
- Art supplies (prepared in advance)
- Space/Mirror for movement practice
Introduction:
- Experienced educators know that one of the keys to being effective lies in the accommodations they provide for students who really need them. This is a two-part process; not only does it involve knowing how to circumvent their weaknesses, but it also entails providing them with activities that will help them succeed. Leveraging students’ learning styles is one way to approach this task. The following lessons are a few ideas to try with students who may be reluctant to partake in a traditional songwriting process.
- Parody: An imitation of a song with exaggerated lyrics for comic effect.
- Spoken Word: Poetry intended to be performed, sometimes with musical accompaniment.
- Picture Song: A song that aligns a picture video with the lyrics for dramatic or comedic effect.
- Illustrated Song: Type of performance art popular in the U.S in the early 20th century in which live performances accompanied still images created by an artist.
- Pantomime: A type of performance in which body movements tell a story, usually with musical accompaniment.
- Choreography: A series of steps or movements in a staged dance routine
- Student(s) will be given permission to select a song they are already familiar with. Next, they will rewrite the lyrics and practice performing it for a classmate, using the Parody Worksheet as a guide.
- Students will watch Spoken Word videos to gain familiarity with the genre. Next, they will use their Spoken Word Worksheet to begin composing words that relate to their ecological topic. Next, they will select an instrumental piece of music that compliments their lyrics. Lastly, they will practice reading their lyrics expressively while the music plays behind them.
- Students will join another songwriter or group from class. Their job will be to create a picture video that will accompany the song they are collaborating on. Students may use software such as iMovie (Mac) or Movie Maker (PC) to help them create a video that can synchronize with the performance of their collaborating song. Students will use the Picture Video Worksheet as a guide.
- Student(s) will join another songwriter or group from class. Their job will be to create a bodily-kinesthetic routine to represent the lyrics to the song they are collaborating on. Students may select any form of appropriate movement, but should be prepared to defend and explain their selection in writing, All writing can be completed on the Bodily Kinesthetic Worksheet
Homework/Extension:
- Based on individual student need and available resources.