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.
About this activity
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.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one song you want to cover.
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Step 2
Listen to the original song all the way through to notice the melody and words.
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Step 3
Hum or sing the melody out loud to help you remember it.
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Step 4
Decide one or two things you want to change like the speed key or instrument style.
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Step 5
Write down the changes you chose and any lyrics you will keep.
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Step 6
Choose which part of the song to practice first like the chorus or a verse.
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Step 7
Practice that part slowly until you can play or sing it without mistakes.
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Step 8
Practice the other parts one at a time until you can do the whole song.
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Step 9
Do a full run-through of your cover from start to finish.
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Step 10
Ask an adult to help you set up and record one or two takes of your version.
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Step 11
Listen to the recordings and pick the take you like best.
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Step 12
Write 2–4 sentences explaining why you chose the song and what you changed.
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Step 13
With an adult's help if needed share your finished cover and your explanation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I help my child pick, practice, and record a cover song and explain their choices?
To help your child pick, practice, and record a cover song, start by choosing an age-appropriate tune they love. With an adult, simplify the arrangement (change key or shorten sections) and set short practice sessions. Use a device to capture practice takes, then do a final recording in a quiet room. After recording, ask your child to explain why they chose the song and what they changed—record that short commentary too. Celebrate and share privately with family or a trusted group.
What materials do I need to record a cover song with my child?
You’ll need a recording device (phone, tablet, or computer), a microphone if available, and headphones. Include any instruments or props—guitar, keyboard, ukulele, or simple percussion. Print lyrics and chord sheets or use a lyrics app, plus a metronome app for tempo. Choose a quiet room, chargers, and a basic recording app or software for takes and simple edits. An adult to supervise and help with technical setup is essential.
What ages is this cover-song activity suitable for?
This activity is great for ages 4 and up with adult support. Preschoolers (4–6) can sing familiar songs and make simple changes; elementary kids (7–11) can learn chords, practice structure, and record short takes; tweens and teens (12+) can arrange, edit, and present more polished covers. Always pick age-appropriate songs, limit sharing to trusted audiences, and keep adult supervision for recording, online sharing permissions, and constructive feedback.
What are the benefits of covering a song and explaining your choices?
Covering a song and describing your choices builds musical skills, creativity, and critical listening. Children practice pitch, rhythm, and phrasing, while arranging or changing parts boosts problem-solving and confidence. Recording develops digital literacy and performance skills; explaining choices improves language and reflective thinking. Sharing with family strengthens communication and support. It’s also a low-pressure way to try new styles—keep privacy settings and adult guidance when pos
Watch & Learn
Need 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 — 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 2–4 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 2–4 sentence explanation before sharing on DIY.org.