Listen to a New Genre of Music
Listen to three songs from a new music genre, make a short playlist, note how each song feels, and describe favorite sounds and instruments.
Step-by-step guide to listen to a new genre of music
Music Genres For Kids | Music and Drama | STEM Home Learning
Step 1
Pick a music genre you have never listened to before and get excited to explore it.
Step 2
Choose three different songs from that new genre to try out.
Step 3
Make a playlist with the three songs either in your music app or by writing the song names on your paper.
Step 4
Play the first song and listen to it all the way through without doing anything else.
Step 5
Write 1–3 words that describe how the first song made you feel.
Step 6
Play the second song and listen to it all the way through.
Step 7
Write 1–3 words that describe how the second song made you feel.
Step 8
Play the third song and listen to it all the way through.
Step 9
Write 1–3 words that describe how the third song made you feel.
Step 10
For each song write the one sound or instrument you liked the most.
Step 11
Draw or colour a small picture that shows your favorite moment from any one of the songs.
Step 12
Give your playlist a short title and write it at the top of your paper.
Step 13
Write one sentence that explains why you chose these three songs.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a music app or internet access to pick and play three songs from a new genre?
If you don't have a music app or internet, use a radio station that plays that genre, borrow a CD or a parent's phone, or ask a friend to play the songs while you write the song names on your paper for the playlist.
What should we do if we get distracted and can't 'listen to the song all the way through' as the instructions require?
If you get distracted, put on headphones, mute notifications or set a timer for the song's length so you can finish the step to "listen to the first/second/third song all the way through" and then immediately write your 1–3 feeling words.
How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, pick shorter songs, let them draw feelings instead of writing 1–3 words and help choose the three songs, while older kids can research the genre, list instruments they hear, and write the sentence explaining why they chose the songs.
How can we extend or personalize the playlist and final project before sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance the activity, add extra songs to the playlist, create custom cover art and tape it above your written playlist title on the paper, record a short voice or video explaining your favorite instrument or moment, and then share that on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to listen to a new genre of music
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Facts about music appreciation for kids
📻 Building a 3-song playlist is a mini-story—many people treat playlists like mixtapes to set a mood or tell a short musical tale.
🧭 Listening to a new genre is like traveling: traditional and folk genres often carry stories and history from different places and times.
🎶 Streaming sites and music libraries list hundreds of subgenres, so tiny styles like 'vaporwave' or 'bossa nova' can be easy to discover.
🥁 You can identify many instruments by timbre — drums give rhythm, guitars often provide chords, and flutes sound airy and bright.
🎧 Your brain releases dopamine when you hear music you love — the same 'feel-good' chemical released by tasty food and hugs!
How do I guide my child through listening to a new music genre?
What materials do I need to do this music-listening activity?
What ages is listening to a new music genre suitable for?
What are the benefits of exploring a new music genre with children?
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