In 2016, I am pleased to offer a new resource on the blog for teaching artists working with preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students. I will ask teaching artists around the United States to share their current playlists. What music are the students loving these days? What music inspires you as a teacher? 

As you read the playlists, explore new music through iTunes, Youtube, and Spotify. If you would like to contribute a playlist, please email randalldanceprojects@gmail.com.

————————

Music for Middle School Dance Classes

By Jill Randall

I teach dance at an amazing independent middle school in San Francisco. Especially for the middle school age student, music is an essential component to inspire engagement and connection. In my program these days, easily 80% of the music is "pop music." Of course I want the students to branch out and explore a variety of music from around the globe, but I also strongly believe that it is my carefully crafted playlists that hook many of my reluctant students in.

The list below includes some songs we are currently using, or have used within the past two months.

Diplo and Sleepy Tom: "Be Right There"

DJ Earworm mashups (can access through Youtube)

Ed Sheeran: "Lay It All on Me"

Ellie Goulding: "Love Me Like You Do"

Justin Bieber: "Sorry," "Where Are U Now"

Kiesza: "Hideaway"

Michael Franti: "Hey World (Don't Give Up)"

One Direction: "Drag Me Down," "Infinity"

Pentatonix: "Can't Sleep Love," "Lean On," "Rather Be"

Shawn Mendes: "Aftertaste," "Life of the Party," "Stitches"

Sia:  "Alive," "Elastic Heart"

Taylor Swift: "I Know Places," "New Romantics" 

—

There are lots of instrumental and electronic groups we use within classes as well. To name a few today:

-Electronic artist Bonobo

-Guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela

-Kora player Toumani Diabaté

-A trio of artists from three African countries - Ballake Sissoko, Driss El Maloumi, and Rajery (3MA)

—————————-