Switched On Pop Lesson Plans

Description

This resource was created as a collaboration between F-flat Books and the podcast, Switched on Pop (SOP). 

These lesson plans are intended for secondary-level music students. Through the podcast SOP, students can explore and apply musicianship concepts related to the analysis of popular music. These lessons are designed to be accessible for various skill and ability levels and applicable to multiple educational settings (i.e., large ensembles, electives, general music classes, etc.).

About Switched on Pop

A podcast about the making and meaning of popular music hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding. In conversation with leading artists, songwriters, and producers, Switched On Pop breaks down pop songs to figure out what makes a hit and its place in culture. Listeners will come away finding “a-ha” moments in their favorite music.  Published by Oxford University Press, their book Switched On Pop: How Popular Music Works and Why it Matters illuminates the essential musical concepts behind two decades of chart-topping songs.

How to use these

These lesson plans can be used as isolated, one-day lessons or as jumping-off points to entire units centered on related concepts.

Each lesson plan includes editable worksheets for students and a teaching guide including Concepts, Objectives, and Procedures. Topics and Lessons: 

• Lyrics: identifying song perspectives through Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers License
• Melody: creating melody to reflect specific moods through Post Malone’s Circles
• Groove: exploring compound meter through the music of J. Cole
• Song form: analyzing song structures through historical perspectives of pop
• Songwriting: creating songs to reflect story through Dua Lipa’s music

Lesson plans were designed and written by Sarah Gulish and Music Service Learning interns, Rosie Wilson, Emma Rolecki, Gabe Romero, and Peyton Beebe. Collection edited by Danielle Larrick. Student worksheets designed by Danielle Larrick. Product design by Jadyn Gulish.