When it comes to incorporating music education into the classroom, introducing students to a variety of genres and artists is essential. One artist worth exploring with your K-12 students is La Roux, a British electropop duo that rose to fame in the late 2000s. Their unique blend of synthpop, new wave, and electronic music provides an excellent opportunity for students not only to learn about modern music but also to explore some of the historical influences that have shaped mainstream pop.
Starting with La Roux’s debut album released in 2009, showcase Elly Jackson’s soaring vocals and infectious electro beats in singles like “Bulletproof” and “In for the Kill.” These are excellent examples of their distinctive sound that can spark creative discussions on how different genres intermingle. Discussing their sound, composition techniques, and lyrics will encourage critical thinking and active listening among your students.
To connect La Roux’s musical style with older genres, dive into the history of synthpop and new wave from the 1980s. Introduce your students to pioneering artists like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Human League. By doing so, they can grasp how these founding artists have directly impacted La Roux’s music.
Bridge the gap between history and present-day trends by discussing some of their inspirations or key collaborators. For example, Nile Rodgers produced one of La Roux’s tracks from Trouble in Paradise – a valuable piece of information that reveals shared musical influences with legend David Bowie.
Once your students have an understanding of La Roux’s unique sound, engage them in fun classroom activities. Encourage them to develop their own modernized interpretations of songs from the 80s or experiment with synthesizers or digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create electropop tunes as a team. This hands-on approach will help solidify their understanding of musical concepts and composition.
Lastly, touch upon La Roux’s influence on other contemporary artists, such as Ellie Goulding, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX. This will illustrate how integral La Roux has been within the electropop genre and emphasize the importance of embracing a diversity of musical influences for creative growth.
In conclusion, incorporating La Roux’s music into your K-12 curriculum can spark creativity and broaden students’ musical horizons by introducing them to the enthralling world of electropop. By combining history, hands-on activities, and discussions about modern music trends, you are sure to engage your students in a memorable learning experience that goes beyond the notes.
