Genealogy- Music

Lesson Plan: Genealogy & Music Connections

by Bellino Evans M.ED

Objective: To use genealogy as a tool to understand musical influences and subgenres.

Materials:

• Computers with internet access
• Genealogy websites (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage.com)
• Music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music)
• Whiteboard or projector
• Markers or pens

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

   • Begin by discussing the concept of family trees and how they can be used to trace our ancestry.
   • Explain that music, like family, has roots and branches.
   • Play a short clip of a popular contemporary song, such as "I Like It" by Cardi B.
   • Ask students to identify the main genre of the song (e.g., hip-hop, reggaeton).
   • Discuss how music genres evolve over time, influenced by various cultural and historical factors.
   • What is the song structure, length, instruments

2. Genealogy Activity (20 minutes):

   • Divide students into small groups of 2-3.
   • Provide each group with access to a genealogy website.
   • Guide students on how to use the website to trace their family trees back to their great-grandparents.
   • Encourage students to ask family members for information, such as birth dates, places of birth, and names of parents and grandparents.
   • As students research, have them note any significant cultural or ethnic backgrounds that emerge from their family history.

3. Music and Genealogy Connection (20 minutes):

   • Reconvene as a class and discuss the findings from the genealogy activity.
   • Explain how cultural and ethnic backgrounds can influence musical preferences and styles.
   • Play a variety of music genres, such as blues, jazz, rock, and hip-hop.
   • Discuss the historical and cultural roots of each genre, highlighting the influence of different ethnic and cultural groups.
   • Relate the concept of musical genealogy to the students' own family trees. For example, if a student has Italian ancestry, they might explore the influence of Italian immigrants on American music, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

4. Music Analysis Activity (20 minutes):

   • Play a song that blends multiple genres, such as "I Like It" by Cardi B.
   • Ask students to identify the different musical elements that contribute to the song's sound, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony.
   • Discuss how the song's producers and artists have combined elements from different genres to create a unique sound.
   • Encourage students to research the musical influences of the artists involved in the song.

5. Conclusion (5 minutes):

   • Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the connection between genealogy, culture, and music.
   • Encourage students to continue exploring their family history and the musical influences that have shaped their lives.

Assessment:

• Create a family tree and a short written reflection on how their family history has influenced their musical tastes.
• Students  analyze a song of your choice, identifying the different musical genres and cultural influences present in the song.
•                  RUBRIC
• • Music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music)
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens

  Procedure:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

     • Begin by discussing the concept of family trees and how they can be used to trace our ancestry.
     • Explain that music, like family, has roots and branches.
     • Play a short clip of a popular contemporary song, such as "I Like It" by Cardi B.
     • Ask students to identify the main genre of the song (e.g., hip-hop, reggaeton).
     • Discuss how music genres evolve over time, influenced by various cultural and historical factors.

  2. Genealogy Activity (20 minutes):

     • Divide students into small groups of 2-3.
     • Provide each group with access to a genealogy website.
     • Guide students on how to use the website to trace their family trees back to their great-grandparents.
     • Encourage students to ask family members for information, such as birth dates, places of birth, and names of parents and grandparents.
     • As students research, have them note any significant cultural or ethnic backgrounds that emerge from their family history.

  3. Music and Genealogy Connection (20 minutes):

     • Reconvene as a class and discuss the findings from the genealogy activity.
     • Explain how cultural and ethnic backgrounds can influence musical preferences and styles.
     • Play a variety of music genres, such as blues, jazz, rock, and hip-hop.
     • Discuss the historical and cultural roots of each genre, highlighting the influence of different ethnic and cultural groups.
     • Relate the concept of musical genealogy to the students' own family trees. For example, if a student has Italian ancestry, they might explore the influence of Italian immigrants on American music, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

  4. Music Analysis Activity (20 minutes):

     • Play a song that blends multiple genres, such as "I Like It" by Cardi B.
     • Ask students to identify the different musical elements that contribute to the song's sound, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony.
     • Discuss how the song's producers and artists have combined elements from different genres to create a unique sound.
     • Encourage students to research the musical influences of the artists involved in the song.

  5. Conclusion (5 minutes):

     • Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the connection between genealogy, culture, and music.
     • Encourage students to continue exploring their family history and the musical influences that have shaped their lives.

  Assessment:

  • Students can create a family tree and a short written reflection on how their family history has influenced their musical tastes.
  • Students can analyze a song of their choice, identifying the different musical genres and cultural influences present in the song.

  By connecting genealogy to music, this lesson can help students develop a deeper understanding of both their personal history and the broader cultural context of music.
  

  create a rubric

  

  Rubric: Genealogy and Music Project

  Criteria | Exemplary (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1)

  ---|---|---|---|---| Family Tree Accuracy | Accurately traces family tree to great-grandparents, including names, dates, and locations. | Accurately traces most of the family tree, with minor errors in dates or locations. | Traces some of the family tree, but with significant errors or omissions. | Makes little or no attempt to trace the family tree. Cultural Research | Thoroughly researches cultural and ethnic backgrounds of ancestors, including specific traditions and influences. | Researches some cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but lacks depth in analysis. | Makes a limited attempt to research cultural and ethnic backgrounds, with superficial analysis. | Does not research cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Music Analysis | Identifies and analyzes multiple musical influences on a chosen song, explaining how they contribute to the overall sound. | Identifies and analyzes some musical influences, but lacks depth in explanation. | Identifies some musical influences, but explanations are vague or inaccurate. | Does not identify or analyze musical influences. Presentation | Presents information clearly and concisely, using engaging visuals and effective delivery. | Presents information clearly, but lacks engagement or visual appeal. | Presents information in a disorganized manner, with limited clarity. | Does not present information effectively. Creativity | Demonstrates creativity in the presentation format and content, going beyond basic requirements. | Uses some creative elements in the presentation, but lacks originality. | Follows basic presentation guidelines, with little creativity. | Lacks creativity and originality in the presentation.

   
  

   

  RUBRIC Chart rating 1-4 for the rubric:

  Criteria	Exemplary	Proficient	Developing	Beginning
  Family Tree Accuracy	4	3	2	1
  Cultural Research	4	3	2	1
  Music Analysis	4	3	2	1
  Presentation	4	3	2	1
  Creativity	4	3	2	1