Introduction
You’re probably already familiar with TED Talks, the viral-worthy seminars about everything from existential questions to technological advancements, and novel questions to ponder. But, did you know TED also has an education-focused platform for teachers called TED-Ed that is incredible for the classroom? TED-Ed Talks are bite-sized, often animated lessons that provide music teachers with engaging, research-based lessons that they can customize for their students.
From uncovering the physics of instruments to exploring why certain songs stick in our heads, these videos bridge the gap between music, science, and education. In this blog, we’ve compiled 10 of the best TED-Ed lessons for music students, offering insights into musical instruments, performance techniques, and the psychology behind sound.
Customizing TED-Ed Lessons in the Music Classroom
TED-Ed lessons are highly adaptable for the classroom. Teachers can customize each lesson by adding discussion questions, quizzes, and reflections, making them a flexible and valuable resource. They are also perfect for emergency sub plans, as students can work through the lessons independently!
Click here to learn more about customizing TED-Ed lessons for your music classroom.
10 Interactive TED-Ed Lessons for the Music Classroom
Summary:
What makes music different from random noise? Using John Cage’s “Water Walk,” Hanako Sawada dives into the scientific and psychological factors that define music, demonstrating how patterns, repetition, and expectation shape our perception of sound.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Great for introducing students to the concept of musical structure.
- Encourages active listening and deeper engagement with soundscapes.
- Sparks discussion on the cultural and subjective nature of music.
Summary:
Sawada breaks down Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, revealing the hidden patterns, motifs, and mathematical principles behind its iconic opening.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Perfect for teaching musical analysis and form.
- Helps students recognize recurring themes in classical music.
- Connects math and music in an engaging way.
Summary:
Ming Luke explains the vocal technique known as ‘squillo,’ which allows opera singers to project their voices over an entire orchestra without microphones.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Essential for vocal instructors teaching projection and resonance.
- Helps students appreciate the science behind vocal techniques.
- Connects opera performance with physics and acoustics.
Summary:
Many people assume conductors simply wave their arms to keep time, but this talk breaks down the deeper artistic and leadership role of a conductor.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Useful for teaching conducting skills and leadership in ensemble settings.
- Highlights the nonverbal communication aspect of conducting.
- Inspires students to take a more active role in ensemble interpretation.
Summary:
Oscar Fernando Perez explores the science behind guitar sound production, from string vibrations to resonance and amplification.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Helps students understand instrument acoustics.
- Connects music to physics in a tangible way.
- Great resource for STEM-integrated music lessons.
Summary:
This talk explains the mechanics of brass instruments, covering lip buzzing, harmonic series, and the role of valves and slides.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Helps brass students improve technique through science.
- Provides a visual breakdown of how sound is produced.
- Connects physics and music education seamlessly.
Summary:
Why do certain songs get stuck in our heads? This talk delves into the psychology of catchy melodies and repetition.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Useful for discussing melody writing and composition.
- Helps students analyze why some songs are more memorable than others.
- Engages students in discussions about music and cognition.
Summary:
Paul Jennings explores the history and cultural significance of the Cajon drum, a versatile percussion instrument.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Perfect for world music and percussion units.
- Encourages students to explore rhythm beyond traditional drum kits.
- Demonstrates how simple instruments can be powerful tools for musical expression.
Summary:
John Varney introduces a circular visualization of rhythm, offering a new way to understand time signatures and grooves.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Excellent tool for explaining complex rhythms.
- Helps students ‘see’ rhythm in a new way.
- Encourages creativity in rhythmic exercises.
Summary:
Margulis explores why repeated musical phrases captivate listeners and how repetition influences emotional responses.
Why Music Teachers Should Use This Lesson:
- Great for discussing musical form and motifs.
- Helps students understand why repetition is key in composition.
- Engages students in critical listening and analysis.
Conclusion
TED-Ed lessons offer music students valuable insights into the intersection of music, science, and education. Whether you’re looking to deepen your students’ understanding of music psychology, explore an instrument’s history, or find engaging ways to explain advanced musical concepts, these 10 lessons are a fantastic jumping-off point.
Additionally, TED-Ed lessons can be customized and serve as excellent emergency sub plans, making them a great tool for music educators. For more ideas on incorporating TED-Ed lessons into your classroom, check out this blog: How to Use TED-Ed Lessons in Your Music Classroom.
Have a favorite TED-Ed Talk that has influenced your teaching? Share it in the comments below!
Want more resources for music tech teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community– where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
