Mashup Two Popular Songs
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Create a kid friendly mashup of two popular songs by combining melodies, lyrics, and rhythms, and practice listening, arranging, and performing together.

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Step-by-step guide to Mashup Two Popular Songs

What you need
Adult supervision required, colouring materials, paper, pencil, small rhythm maker (spoon or shaker), two kid-friendly songs (lyrics or recordings)

Step 1

Pick two kid-friendly songs you want to mashup.

Step 2

Write or print the lyrics for both songs on your paper.

Step 3

Listen to the first song and choose one short part you like best.

Step 4

Mark the start and end of that chosen part on the lyrics sheet.

Step 5

Listen to the second song and choose one short part you like best.

Step 6

Mark the start and end of that second chosen part on the lyrics sheet.

Step 7

Decide how you will combine them by choosing one idea: swap melodies, mix lyrics, or match rhythms.

Step 8

Write a simple order on your paper showing which parts come first and which come next.

Step 9

Use your rhythm maker to find a steady beat that fits the tempo you like.

Step 10

Sing the first chosen part while tapping the steady beat to practice timing.

Step 11

Practice switching from the first part to the second part at the place you wrote down so the change is smooth.

Step 12

Ask an adult to help you record your finished mashup and share it on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a printed lyrics sheet or a rhythm maker if we don't have them?

If you don't have a printer or a rhythm maker, handwrite both song lyrics on plain paper and use a phone metronome app or a pot-and-spoon beat to find a steady beat and then mark the start and end of your chosen parts as the instructions say.

What should we do if the switch between the two chosen parts sounds messy or out of time?

If the transition is messy, slow the tempo on your rhythm maker or app, clap or tap the steady beat while singing the first chosen part, and practice the written switch at the marked place until the change is smooth.

How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children, pick single lines for each 'choose one short part' step and have an adult mark start/end and tap a slow steady beat, while older kids can write a detailed order, try swapping melodies or mixing lyrics, and multi-track record their mashup.

How can we extend or personalize our finished mashup before sharing it on DIY.org?

To enhance the mashup, write a short bridge that connects the two marked parts, add simple instruments while keeping your steady beat, and ask an adult to help record with effects or make a music video to upload to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Mashup Two Popular Songs

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Create Song Mashups! | Tutorial

4 Videos

Facts about music arrangement for kids

🎧 A mashup blends two or more songs by matching their tempo and key so they sound like one track.

🧩 A medley stitches short snippets of songs into one continuous piece—musicals and concerts use them to tell a story quickly.

🎤 DJ Earworm is famous for yearly 'United State of Pop' mashups that splice dozens of chart hits together.

🧠 Making mashups is great ear training for kids because it teaches listening for melody, harmony, and rhythm patterns.

🎹 Many pop songs use the I–V–vi–IV chord progression, which makes mixing melodies from different tunes surprisingly easy.

How do I make a kid-friendly mashup of two songs?

To make a kid-friendly mashup, first choose two age-appropriate songs with similar keys or tempos. Listen together and pick short, recognizable parts (choruses, hooks, or simple verses). Simplify melodies and lyrics, then experiment with order—alternate verses, layer choruses, or create a new bridge. Try different rhythms or instruments to connect sections. Rehearse in small parts, adjust transitions, and perform together. Keep arrangements short and playful for attention spans.

What materials do I need to mash up two popular songs with my child?

You'll need recordings of the two songs (phone, tablet, or computer), a speaker or headphones, and simple instruments like a ukulele, keyboard, or rhythm shakers. Bring paper and pencils to write lyrics or sketch song order, plus a device to record rehearsals. Optional items: lyric printouts, a metronome app to match tempo, costumes or props for performance, and child-safe editing apps if you want to make a simple video.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits preschoolers through preteens with adjustments: ages three to five enjoy clapping, humming, and swapping simple lines with adult help; six to eight can blend short melodies, replace words, and follow a basic arrangement; nine to twelve can plan transitions, change tempo or key, and record their mashup. Always pick lyrics and songs appropriate for the child's maturity and supervise technology use during recording or editing.

What are the benefits of making song mashups with kids?

Making mashups builds listening, rhythm, and melody skills while boosting language, memory, creativity, and teamwork. It encourages pattern recognition, musical arrangement thinking, and confidence performing. For safety and family friendliness, choose clean lyrics, keep volume at safe levels, limit screen time when editing, and remind children to respect original artists—focus on creative play and sharing performances only with family or friends unless you check permissions.
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Mashup Two Popular Songs. Activities for Kids.