Fundamental notation, instrumental proficiency, and vocal techniques across various genres. Connects historical analysis with original composition and creative performance skills.
Hosted by Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks, this energetic video from SciShow Kids explores the fascinating connection between music, the brain, and human emotions. The video explains why music can make us feel happy, sad, or ready to dance by breaking down how our brains process auditory patterns. It introduces the scientific concept that listening to music is a full-body experience where the brain sends signals to muscles, preparing them for movement in response to rhythm and melody. The video introduces fundamental music theory concepts in an accessible way, specifically focusing on scales, the 'tonic' note, and 'resolution.' It uses the familiar example of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' to demonstrate how our brains unconsciously expect a song to return to its 'home' note. The narrative explains how composers intentionally delay this return to create tension and keep the brain interested, leading to the satisfying feeling of resolution at the end of a musical phrase. For educators, this resource bridges the gap between arts and science, making it perfect for interdisciplinary lessons. It can be used to introduce basic music vocabulary, explore the neuroscience of pattern recognition, or help students identify and articulate emotional responses to different types of audio. The content encourages active listening and helps children understand that their physical urge to dance is a natural biological response to the patterns they hear.
3mins 19s
This video from Crash Course Black American History explores the dynamic origins and evolution of hip hop and rap, tracing its roots from the streets of Harlem and the South Bronx in the 1970s to its status as a global cultural phenomenon. Clint Smith explains how the genre emerged as a creative response to the economic neglect of Black communities and the artistic legacy of the Black Arts Movement. The video breaks down the "four pillars" of hip hop—DJing, rapping, graffiti, and breakdancing—demonstrating how these distinct art forms coalesced into a unified counterculture.
14mins 55s