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Does Music Speak to Your Values?
The Courage of Conviction: Social, Political, and Spiritual beliefs The 1960s was a time when popular music—whether country, R&B, gospel, Motown or rock—spoke of themes such as overcoming adversity and the possibility of freedom and equality. Songs touched on messages about the hardships of racism, poverty, and the urban experience. During the Vietnam War, many…
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Podcast: Your Favorite Tunes
In a small group create a podcast(radio show) in which you play snippets of your group’s favorite music around one particular theme. Choose someone to be the announcer to lead the discussion between clips. Start by recording one 3-5 minute session.
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Can they remember the words?
Interview someone of your parents’ or grandparents’ generation. Discuss the following questions: What songs were important to them when they were younger? Can they remember the words? What did they like about the lyrics? Why are they memorable? What personal memories come to mind when they think of them?
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Lyrics Versus Video
Compare your interpretation of the lyrics of your favorite song with the video of the same song. How are they similar? How do they differ?
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The Day Bob Dylan Showed Up On Your Front Lawn
Read this true story about Bob Dylan’s surprise visit to the childhood Winnipeg home of Neil Young. Imagine a rock star has just showed up on your front lawn under similar circumstances. Write the story.
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Ban Music?
Plato, in his Republic, says that revolutionary poets and musicians will be banned from his utopian state because their new ideas will disrupt society and upset the stability of the state. Do you agree with the idea of banning music under these circumstances? Explore your opinion in an essay.
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Life Without Music
The philosopher Nietzsche said that without music, life is a mistake! Do you agree or disagree? Fully or partially? Take a position, based on your own experience. Is life without music a mistake?
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The Best Concert of All
You may enjoy attending concerts, classical or rock. Describe the best time you ever had at a concert. Who played? What was the atmosphere like? What was the audience’s response like? What do you remember best about the concert?