Lesson Plan: Module 3 - Contemporary Music & Technology

Target Audience

• Year/Grade: 8
• Duration: 50 minutes

Overview

This series of lessons aims to explore contemporary music and technology's intersection, focusing on contemporary composers, popular genres, music marketing, and live performances.

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Lesson 11: Composers Pushing Boundaries

Duration: 10 minutes

Objectives:

• Identify contemporary composers who use technology to innovate music.
• Explore works by Brian Eno and Björk and discuss how technology influences their musical creations.

Explicit Teaching:

1. Introduction to Contemporary Composers

   • Brief overview of Brian Eno and Björk.
   • Discuss their contributions to music using technology.

2. Discussion Points:

   • Eno's ambient music and use of generative systems.
   • Björk’s integration of digital media and experimental sounds in her work.

Interactive Activity:

• Listen and Reflect: Play a short clip of a song from each artist. Have students jot down their impressions and discuss as a class.

Feedback:

• Teacher circulates to listen to student comments and prompts further discussion on how technology enhances these composers' works.

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Lesson 12: Popular Genres and Technology

Duration: 10 minutes

Objectives:

• Analyze genres like electronic, hip-hop, and pop to understand their technological influences.

Explicit Teaching:

1. Genre Overview:

   • Define electronic, hip-hop, and pop music.
   • Highlight key technological elements in each genre (e.g., synthesizers in electronic music).

2. Examples:

   • Show clips from popular songs in each genre and identify the technological elements used.

Interactive Activity:

• Group Discussion: In small groups, select one genre to discuss and report back with their findings on its technological influences.

Feedback:

• Groups present their findings, and the teacher offers insights and corrects any misconceptions.

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Lesson 13: The Role of Technology in Music Marketing

Duration: 10 minutes

Objectives:

• Examine how contemporary artists use social media and digital platforms for promotion.

Explicit Teaching:

1. Marketing Overview:

   • Discuss traditional versus digital marketing approaches in music.

2. Strategies:

   • Explore how artists like Tones And I and The Kid LAROI leverage social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Interactive Activity:

• Create a Social Media Campaign: Students design a simple marketing plan for a hypothetical artist, making use of social media tools.

Feedback:

• Review campaigns in groups and provide constructive criticism and a rubric for scoring based on creativity and feasibility.

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Lesson 14: Technology in Live Performances

Duration: 10 minutes

Objectives:

• Understand the role of technology in enhancing live music experiences.

Explicit Teaching:

1. Technology Overview:

   • Discuss sound engineering, lighting, and stage design.

2. Case Studies:

   • Review performances by artists such as Daft Punk and Taylor Swift that incorporate advanced technology.

Interactive Activity:

• Design a Concert: In pairs, students create a concept for a live show, including the technology they would use (e.g., lighting, sound).

Feedback:

• Students present their concert designs. The teacher provides feedback focusing on creativity and technological integration.

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Homework Assignment

Tasks:

1. Choose one contemporary composer discussed in class and write a brief analysis of their use of technology in their music.
2. Select a popular music genre and identify three artists heavily influenced by technology. Write a short paragraph for each artist explaining this influence.
3. Create a promotional post for a new song by an artist of your choice, utilizing social media tools and strategies discussed in class.

Answers:

1. Answers will vary. Example: Brian Eno’s use of generative music and ambient soundscapes that transform the listening experience.
2. Answers will vary. Example:
   • Artist 1: Flume - Uses synthesizers and software to create unique electronic beats.
   • Artist 2: Kendrick Lamar - Incorporates digital production techniques in hip-hop.
   • Artist 3: Dua Lipa - Uses pop synthesizers and production software to develop distinctive sounds.
3. Answers will vary. Example Post: "Check out my new single dropping this Friday! 🎶 Link in bio! #NewMusic #ArtistName"

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Conclusion

These lessons aim to develop an understanding of contemporary music's evolution through technology while engaging students actively in discussions, activities, and creative tasks. The feedback mechanisms ensure that students receive direction and support throughout their learning journey.