Modern Music Icons

Overview

Subject: Music
Year Group: Year 7
Length: 45 minutes
Curriculum Area: Key Stage 3 Music
Focus: Analysis and understanding of modern popular culture and its influence on music, exploring artist contributions and musical elements (KS3 National Curriculum: "Listen with increasing discrimination to a wide range of music").

This lesson introduces students to the music and cultural influence of Drake, exploring his style, background, and how he uses music to connect with audiences. It will engage students with rhythm, melody, lyric analysis, and the impact of global cultural influences.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand Drake's musical style and how it blends different genres.
2. Analyse key elements of one of his songs, focusing on rhythm, melody, and lyrics.
3. Discuss the cultural significance and global impact of Drake's music.
4. Create a short, innovative rhythmic piece inspired by Drake's work.

---

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard/markers
• Audio equipment (Bluetooth speaker or school sound system)
• A short clip of Drake's hit song "God's Plan" (school-approved and aligned with copyright rules).
• Notebooks and pencils for students
• Pre-printed lyric sheet (lyrics will be pre-screened to meet age-appropriate requirements).
• Percussion instruments (e.g., small drums, tambourines, or body percussion).

---

Lesson Plan

Starter Activity: Icebreaker and Context (10 minutes)

1. Classroom Setup: Begin the lesson by displaying "MUSIC + CULTURE = IMPACT" on the board.
2. Set the Scene: Briefly introduce Drake as a globally recognised rapper, singer, and songwriter from Canada. Mention his influence on modern hip-hop, pop, and UK drill/afrobeats.
3. Quick Warm-Up Discussion: Ask students:
   • "What kind of music do you enjoy?"
   • "Have you heard of Drake? What do you think of his music?"
4. Fun Fact Connection: Highlight a UK link—e.g., Drake's love for UK culture, including his influence on UK grime and collaborations with British artists like Skepta.

---

Main Activity 1: Song Listening and Element Breakdown (15 minutes)

1. Song Selection: Play a pre-approved clip of "God’s Plan" (60 seconds). Ask students to listen and note:
   • The rhythm: Is it steady or syncopated?
   • The beat: Fast or slow?
   • The mood/feel: Happy? Solemn? Reflective?
2. Discussion and Analysis (Teacher-led):
   • Ask students for their thoughts on "God’s Plan" (focusing on rhythm, melody, and performance dynamics).
   • Guide students to recognise the blend of singing and rapping, the atmospheric beats, and the theme of positivity and generosity—a universally relatable concept.
3. Cultural Context: Briefly explain how Drake’s unique sound draws from a mix of Jamaican dancehall, US hip-hop, and UK grime—emphasising cross-cultural influences.

---

Main Activity 2: Rhythm and Lyric Creativity (15 minutes)

1. Interactive Rhythm Exercise:
   • Divide the class into four groups of ~7 students.
   • Provide simple percussion instruments or encourage body percussion (e.g., clapping, stomping).
   • Challenge each group to create a 4-beat rhythm pattern inspired by Drake's music (minimalistic but catchy).
2. Lyric Exploration:
   • Distribute lyric sheets with selected, pre-screened lines from "God’s Plan".
   • Discuss briefly how Drake conveys emotions and connects to his audience with relatable everyday themes.
   • Challenge students to write a short, positive 2-line lyric reflecting their own dreams or messages ("My plan is..." or "I will...").
3. Performance Combination:
   • Each group will combine their rhythm pattern with spoken or sung lyrics.
   • Allow each group to perform for one another. Applaud creativity!

---

Plenary: Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Class Discussion: Ask students:
   • "What stood out to you about Drake’s music?"
   • "How do you think his message or style influences people around the world?"
   • "What did you learn about combining rhythm and lyrics?"
2. Teacher Feedback: Highlight outstanding group performances and showcase different approaches.
3. Final Takeaway: Emphasise how music—like Drake's—has the power to inspire connection, creativity, and cultural understanding.

---

Homework/Extension Activity

Encourage students to select a favourite artist (other than Drake) and write a short paragraph on how that artist blends cultures, genres, or emotions in their music. They can include a drawing of symbols/themes they associate with the artist’s style.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of group performances: Assess students’ ability to create rhythmic patterns and collaborate.
• Analyse student reflections during class discussions and their lyric creativity.
• Optional submission of the extension activity provides further insight into their understanding of cultural influence in music.

---

Teacher Notes

• Gauge students' familiarity with hip-hop and pop culture to tailor discussions at an age-appropriate level.
• Ensure language in lyrics and classroom discussions remains suitable for Year 7.
• Use body percussion if instruments are limited.

---

Final Thought

By examining a modern music icon like Drake, teaching this lesson not only engages students in analysing melody, rhythm, and performance but connects them to the broader cultural tapestry shaping music today. It encourages inclusivity and creativity, while also showing how music reflects global influences—a fantastic way to fulfil KS3 music curriculum goals!