Social Themes in Music

Lesson Overview

Unit: Music’s Impact Unveiled
Lesson: 4 of 6
Year Level: 12-13 (NCEA Level 3)
Duration: 30 minutes
Curriculum Area: The Arts – Music
Big Idea: Music is an expression of, and a way of connecting with, culture, identity, place, and time.
Achievement Standard Alignment: Aligned with NCEA Level 3 Achievement Standards in Music inquiry and analysis.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Identify and explain key social or political themes in music.
• Analyse how music has influenced or reflected social issues in Aotearoa and globally.
• Explore mātauranga Māori perspectives on music’s role in activism and community expression.

---

Lesson Breakdown (30 minutes)

1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

Activity: Quick Soundscape Reflection

• Play an excerpt from Six60 – Don’t Forget Your Roots and Trinity Roots – Home, Land and Sea.
• Ask: “How does this music reflect identity, culture, or social themes?”
• Encourage short student responses and reflections.

Discussion Points:

• How does music convey social or political messages?
• What role does music play in shaping public opinion?

---

2. Group Brainstorming (10 minutes)

Activity: "Music and Social Justice Timeline"

• Divide students into small groups (4-5 students per group).
• Assign each group a theme:
  • Protest & Activism (Example: Bob Marley, Herbs, or Tom Scott’s Avantdale Bowling Club)
  • Women’s Empowerment in Music (Example: Lorde, Anika Moa, Bic Runga)
  • Racism & Equality (Example: Upper Hutt Posse, Moana Maniapoto)
  • Indigenous Identity in Music (Example: Troy Kingi, Alien Weaponry)
  • Music & Mental Health Awareness (Example: Stan Walker, Ben Lummis)
• Groups brainstorm key songs, artists, and moments where music has tackled these themes.
• Encourage students to draw a simple timeline of when these social issues gained attention through music.

---

3. Presentation & Discussion (10 minutes)

Activity: Think-Pair-Share

• Groups briefly present their findings.
• Students pair up and discuss:
  • Which social themes are most relevant to Aotearoa today?
  • Can music still create change in modern society? Why or why not?
• Open class discussion to explore answers.

Teacher Facilitation:

• Introduce mātauranga Māori perspectives:
  • How have waiata (songs) been used as tools for preserving history and advocating for change?
  • Example: Poi E and its role in revitalising te reo Māori.

---

4. Reflection & Close (5 minutes)

Exit Ticket Challenge:

• Each student writes one question or thought on a sticky note (or digital tool) about today’s themes.
• Questions collected for discussion in the next lesson.
• Play Alien Weaponry – Kai Tangata as students wrap up.

---

Assessment & Next Steps

• Check for understanding through discussion participation and engagement in the brainstorming activity.
• Next Lesson (Lesson 5): Song Analysis – breaking down lyrics and musical elements that drive social messages.

---

Resources & Materials

• Audio clips/songs (Spotify or YouTube – audio only)
• A3 paper for group work
• Markers for brainstorming
• Digital tools for note-taking (if available)

---

Teacher Notes

• Adapt song selections based on classroom diversity and interests.
• Ensure culturally appropriate discussions about sensitive topics.
• Encourage students to explore personal connections to music’s social impact.

💡 Pro Tip: If time allows, invite students to share their own ‘anthem for change’—a song that speaks to their personal beliefs or concerns.

---

This lesson connects students with music’s deeper role beyond entertainment. By incorporating New Zealand’s social history, mātauranga Māori, and global perspectives, students will gain a rich understanding of music’s power to shape society. 🎶 🌍