If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing?
When songs have similar melodies, chords or lyrics, do you think it is more often a result of plagiarism or sheer coincidence?“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is currently the most streamed song on Spotify, but another musician accused Mr. Sheeran of copying parts of it. In “Ed Sheeran Wins ‘Shape of You’ Plagiarism Case,”…
Lesson of the Day: ‘The Songs That Get Us Through It’
Note to teachers: Some of the essays in this collection deal with adult themes. Please preview them and choose those that you think are most appropriate for your students. Lesson OverviewFeatured Article: “The Songs That Get Us Through It” Every year, The New York Times Magazine publishes an issue all about music that explores the…
What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time?
Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.What songs do you consider to be among the greatest of all time? Why?What do you love or appreciate about these songs? Is it the instrumentation, vocals, lyrics or something else that makes the music so outstanding?…
Songs of Hope
Staff members at hospitals in the New York metropolitan area have been playing songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the “Rocky” theme and “Every Breath You Take” to celebrate the release of patients who had been hospitalized because of the coronavirus.The Times reports:Many have chosen “Here Comes the Sun,” long associated with finding joy through hard…
What Songs Matter to You Now?
Find all our Student Opinion questions here.How do you know when you really like a song? Is it because of how it makes you feel or move? Do you normally find out about songs through friends, social media or by following the artists you love? How much do you care about the lyrics of a…
Hit Holiday Songs
Twenty five years after its debut, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” finally hit No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart. For many, the song is a ubiquitious part of the holiday season. How do you feel about this song and holiday tunes in general?Do you have a go-to holiday playlist? What…
