Listen to a New Genre of Music
Listen to three songs from a new music genre, make a short playlist, note how each song feels, and describe favorite sounds and instruments.
About this activity
Listen to three songs from a new music genre, make a short playlist, note how each song feels, and describe favorite sounds and instruments.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a music genre you have never listened to before and get excited to explore it.
- 2
Step 2
Choose three different songs from that new genre to try out.
- 3
Step 3
Make a playlist with the three songs either in your music app or by writing the song names on your paper.
- 4
Step 4
Play the first song and listen to it all the way through without doing anything else.
- 5
Step 5
Write 1–3 words that describe how the first song made you feel.
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Step 6
Play the second song and listen to it all the way through.
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Step 7
Write 1–3 words that describe how the second song made you feel.
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Step 8
Play the third song and listen to it all the way through.
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Step 9
Write 1–3 words that describe how the third song made you feel.
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Step 10
For each song write the one sound or instrument you liked the most.
- 11
Step 11
Draw or colour a small picture that shows your favorite moment from any one of the songs.
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Step 12
Give your playlist a short title and write it at the top of your paper.
- 13
Step 13
Write one sentence that explains why you chose these three songs.
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Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I guide my child through listening to a new music genre?
Start by picking a new genre together and choosing three age-appropriate songs. Play each song once while the child listens quietly, then play again and ask them to note how each song feels, any favorite sounds, and which instruments stand out. Help them make a short playlist in an app or on paper. Finish with a brief discussion about similarities and differences between the songs and what they liked best.
What materials do I need to do this music-listening activity?
You’ll need a device to play music (phone, tablet, computer) and safe headphones or speakers, plus a playlist app or paper to collect songs. Bring a notebook or printed worksheet and a pen or crayons for notes and drawings. Optionally use a timer, lyric sheets, or short video clips to show instruments. Ensure content is age-appropriate and that streaming or downloads are ready beforehand.
What ages is listening to a new music genre suitable for?
This activity works for preschoolers to teens with age adjustments: ages 4–6 need short songs, simple prompts and adult support; ages 7–10 can take notes, draw instruments, and make a playlist with guidance; 11–15 can reflect more deeply on mood, structure and cultural context. Adapt language, listening time and supervision to each child’s attention span and maturity.
What are the benefits of exploring a new music genre with children?
Trying a new genre builds listening skills, emotional vocabulary and curiosity about different cultures. It sharpens attention, teaches description and comparison, and can boost creativity when children make playlists or draw instruments. Shared listening also encourages family bonding and respectful listening habits. Regular practice helps children notice rhythm, timbre and mood, improving overall musical awareness and critical thinking.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a music app or internet access to pick and play three songs from a new genre?
If you don't have a music app or internet, use a radio station that plays that genre, borrow a CD or a parent's phone, or ask a friend to play the songs while you write the song names on your paper for the playlist.
What should we do if we get distracted and can't 'listen to the song all the way through' as the instructions require?
If you get distracted, put on headphones, mute notifications or set a timer for the song's length so you can finish the step to "listen to the first/second/third song all the way through" and then immediately write your 1–3 feeling words.
How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, pick shorter songs, let them draw feelings instead of writing 1–3 words and help choose the three songs, while older kids can research the genre, list instruments they hear, and write the sentence explaining why they chose the songs.
How can we extend or personalize the playlist and final project before sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance the activity, add extra songs to the playlist, create custom cover art and tape it above your written playlist title on the paper, record a short voice or video explaining your favorite instrument or moment, and then share that on DIY.org.