Pick a cover song & share why you chose it
Pick a song to cover, practice and record your version with an adult's help, then share why you chose it and what you changed.
Step-by-step guide to pick a cover song and share why you chose it
Top 20 Cover Songs That Are More Popular Than The Original
Step 1
Pick one song you want to cover.
Step 2
Listen to the original song all the way through to notice the melody and words.
Step 3
Hum or sing the melody out loud to help you remember it.
Step 4
Decide one or two things you want to change like the speed key or instrument style.
Step 5
Write down the changes you chose and any lyrics you will keep.
Step 6
Choose which part of the song to practice first like the chorus or a verse.
Step 7
Practice that part slowly until you can play or sing it without mistakes.
Step 8
Practice the other parts one at a time until you can do the whole song.
Step 9
Do a full run-through of your cover from start to finish.
Step 10
Ask an adult to help you set up and record one or two takes of your version.
Step 11
Listen to the recordings and pick the take you like best.
Step 12
Write 2â4 sentences explaining why you chose the song and what you changed.
Step 13
With an adult's help if needed share your finished cover and your explanation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a musical instrument or a recording device?
Use a smartphone or tablet to record instead of a dedicated recorder, and substitute a toy keyboard, ukulele, or body percussion (clapping/stomping) for the instrument while you follow the steps to hum the melody and 'ask an adult to help set up and record'.
I keep making mistakes when practicing â what should we try?
Follow 'Practice that part slowly until you can play or sing it without mistakes' by breaking the section into smaller measures, practicing with a metronome or slow playback, and recording short takes to monitor progress before doing a full run-through.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?
For younger kids, pick only the chorus to practice, hum the melody and have an adult write the 2â4 sentence explanation, while older kids can rearrange the song, change key or instrument, and add harmony or multi-track parts as part of 'decide one or two things you want to change'.
How can we extend or personalize the cover beyond the basic instructions?
Make the cover your own by creating a new intro, changing the instrument style, adding a simple harmony or visual backdrop for the recording, and describe these creative choices in the 2â4 sentence explanation before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to pick a cover song and share why you chose it
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Facts about music performance and recording for kids
đź Changing a songâs key, tempo, or arrangement can make it easier to sing and can turn the song into your own unique version.
đ If you post a cover online or sell a recording, platforms often need permission or a license â but sharing at home or in class with credit is usually fine.
đ¤ Many famous hits are covers â Whitney Houstonâs version of "I Will Always Love You" was originally sung by Dolly Parton.
đľ The Beatles began by playing lots of cover songs in clubs, which helped them learn styles and build a fanbase.
đ§ You can record a great-sounding cover at home with just a smartphone and a free recording app â lots of artists started that way.
How do I help my child pick, practice, and record a cover song and explain their choices?
What materials do I need to record a cover song with my child?
What ages is this cover-song activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of covering a song and explaining your choices?
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