Do you like music? Do you play a musical instrument – the violin or piano, or maybe the keyboard or the drums? What kind of music do you prefer – classical, rock, hip hop? Music is everywhere in our lives –online, on the radio and TV, in shops and restaurants – and there is also a special World Music Day on 21st June.
21ST JUNE
This day started in France in 1982 but it quickly became very popular around the world. Now over 120 countries celebrate this day, sometimes with different names, like La Fete de la Musique or Make Music Day or La Festa della Musica, but only one thing happens at all the events – people celebrate music. They listen to music in the streets, in cafés and bars, and in parks and public spaces. World Music Day gives amateur and professional musicians the opportunity to play music, while you can listen to all types of music – for example, a rock band, a classical orchestra, a hip-hop DJ or a school choir – all over towns and cities for free.
But why is music so important? It is not only a fantastic creative outlet, but studies suggest that it can have a number of positive effects on our health and mental well-being. When you listen to a particular song, it can bring back a happy memory or make you feel energised. Music can enhance how well we do physical exercise, it reduces anxiety and decreases stress levels.
Goal 3 of the 2030 Agenda is all about improving health and well-being, which is something that the World Music Day aims to do too. We all have different tastes in music – from Mozart to Taylor Swift – but we can all celebrate World Music Day and boost our mood and well-being.
What can I do on World Music Day?
• Learn to play a musical instrument.
• Go to a concert or watch one online.
• Make a class playlist of everyone’s favourite song, including the teacher’s!
• Organise a karaoke party at your house.
1 PAIRWORK Together, write six different music genres. Then, individually, rank them from your most (1) to your least (6) favourite and compare your answers with your partner.
CLIL – MUSIC
1 Complete the table with the words from the box.
chorus • amplifier • band • microphone rhythm • conductor • choir • speakers • composer lyrics • singer • orchestra
2 Read the text and complete the sentences with the missing information.
We can find music in all areas of our lives.
1 World Music Day started
2 Today, people celebrate World Music Day in
3 On this day, you can listen to all types of music for .
4 Music is good for reducing anxiety and .
5 Goal 3 wants to improve health and for everyone.
QUIZ What does your music taste say about you?
Task one Do the quiz and find out!
What type of music do you like the most?
Musical equipment:
Musical groups:
Musicians:
Songs: chorus,
2 Match some of the words from ex. 1 to the definitions.
a part of the song which is repeated chorus
1 the person who writes the music
2 the words in a song
3 the person who directs the performance of an orchestra
4 a group of singers, for example in a church
3 Match the two parts of the sentences.
1 Classical music
A pop �� B rock �� C classical �� D hip hop ��
What’s your favourite way to listen to music?
A with friends
B at a live concert
C while reading or relaxing D while dancing
What do you do when you hear a new song?
A Add it to your playlist immediately.
B Look up the band or artist.
C Listen carefully to the lyrics.
D Try to learn the dance moves.
What’s your dream music-related activity?
A Performing on stage.
B Starting a band.
Check your score!
C Writing your own song. D Being a DJ.
Mostly A: You’re outgoing and fun! You love sharing music with others and always bring positive energy.
Mostly B: You’re adventurous and creative! You like unique sounds and enjoy deep connections with music.
Mostly C: You’re thoughtful and calm! You appreciate music as a way to relax and reflect.
Mostly D: You’re energetic and bold! You live for the rhythm and love turning music into a party. 1 2 3 4
Task two PAIRWORK Compare your results with your partner. Are your results the same or different?
2 Your dreams don’t usually
3 Listening to music
4 Music and language a activates all parts of your brain. b makes you more intelligent. c use both hemispheres of the brain. d include music.
4 PAIRWORK Read this statement and add your ideas to the two groups below. Then have a class discussion.
All students should study music at school. FOR It helps with language. AGAINST Not all students like music.