Music and History

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 11
Subject: Music
Focus: History and music analysis of The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"
Duration: 50 minutes

Curriculum Links

Curriculum Area: The Australian Curriculum: The Arts, specifically Music
Level: Senior Secondary - Drawing connections between music and socio-historical contexts, with an emphasis on developing analytical and evaluative skills.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the historical context of The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".
2. Analyse the musical elements and lyrical content of the song.
3. Discuss the significance of the song in the evolution of popular music.
4. Evaluate the impact of cultural and social factors on the music of the early 1960s.

Resources Required

• Audio of The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"
• Printed copies of the song's lyrics for each student
• Whiteboard and markers
• Audio/visual equipment to play the song
• PowerPoint presentation on early 1960s music and cultural context

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Set the context and engage students.

1. Briefly introduce The Shirelles and the song "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".
2. Use a short PowerPoint presentation to outline the cultural and historical backdrop of the early 1960s, including societal norms and the role of women.
3. Pose an opening question to the class: "How do you think the societal norms of the 1960s influenced the themes of popular music?"

Listening and First Analysis (15 minutes)

Objective: Encourage active listening and initial analysis.

1. Play the full audio of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".
2. While listening, students will jot down their thoughts on how the music makes them feel and any notable elements they hear, such as tone, harmony, and instrumentation.
3. Discuss with students their initial impressions and feelings about the song.

Historical and Cultural Context Discussion (10 minutes)

Objective: Deepen understanding of the song's historical and cultural importance.

1. Explore the role of The Shirelles as one of the first girl groups to gain widespread popularity.
2. Discuss the song's lyrical themes of love and uncertainty within the context of the 1960s.
3. Highlight significant events of the era that shaped popular music, such as the civil rights movement and changing gender roles.

In-Depth Music Analysis (10 minutes)

Objective: Analyse the musical elements and lyrical content.

1. Break down the song's structure: verse, bridge, chorus, melody, and harmony.
2. Analyze the lyrics: Discuss the themes portrayed in the song and their relevance to the 1960s culture.
3. Describe the musical techniques employed, such as vocal harmonies and instrumentation, and their effect on the song's emotional impact.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

Objective: Conclude lesson with student reflections.

1. Ask students to reflect on how the historical context of the early 1960s influenced the creation and reception of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".
2. Facilitate a short discussion on which elements of the song are timeless and why it remains influential in music history.

Assessment

• Participation in class discussions.
• Completion of the initial listening exercise with notes.
• Reflection on the connections between historical context and musical elements.

Extensions

For teachers looking to extend this lesson:

• Have students research another song from the early 1960s and present a short analysis in the next class.
• Encourage students to write a brief essay on how cultural or historical contexts can shape musical trends and styles.

By thoughtfully integrating music analysis with historical context, this lesson aims to inspire students to appreciate the interplay between music and society while enhancing their listening and analytical skills.