Youtube: Better Than the Original

About this Lesson

Cover versions of songs have grown in popularity over recent years – largely thanks to Youtube. There are lots of excellent, innovative cover versions of songs from artists all around the world and some are truly inventive.

This lesson asks students to compare and contrast two versions of the same song – the original, plus a cover version.

They will consider tempo, mood/feel, style, instrumentation and other musical elements.

This lesson is adaptable – there are a set of questions for students to answer (individually or as a group) and you can use any cover song and original you like.

I’ve given a few examples of interesting cover versions below (and in the downloadable lesson plan).

This could work as a quick mini-lesson, or fill an entire regular lesson. It can also work as a standalone activity or fit into a broader unit of work on arranging and composing.

Which age students?

This is an adaptable lesson which suits students in years 5-8.

Free Website Used in this Lesson

 

Downloads

Song Examples

Here are a few example cover songs you can use to get started. The videos you see below have been saved into a Wakelet collection (Wakelet is a free app that allows you to curate and share links to useful resources – it’s brilliant!).  If you would like to view the collection directly on Wakelet itself, click here.

 

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Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?

Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.

I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.

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I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.

If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.

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