Cascada is a German dance music act that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. It comprises singer Natalie Horler, DJ Manian, and Yanou, all talented musicians in their own right. Introducing students to Cascada not only allows them to learn about a popular and influential dance music group but also gives them insights into the evolution of electronic dance music (EDM) over the past two decades. In this article, we will discuss how teachers can effectively teach students about Cascada and incorporate their music into lesson plans.
1. Background Information
Begin by providing students with background information on Cascada. Discuss their formation, members, and key milestones in their careers. Additionally, highlight their inspirations and influences in the EDM scene.
2. Musical Style and Discography
Introduce students to Cascada’s musical style, which combines elements of Eurodance, trance, electronic pop, and house genres. Discuss their discography, focusing on major singles like “Everytime We Touch,” “Miracle,” “Evacuate the Dancefloor,” and “What Hurts the Most.” Encourage students to analyze these tracks critically, considering lyrics, melody lines, rhythm patterns, and instrumentation.
3. Success and Impact on the Music Industry
Cascada gained significant international success in the 2000s with hit tracks topping charts across Europe and North America. Teach students about their commercial achievements (e.g., record sales), awards won (e.g., World Music Award for Best Selling German Artist), and how they have influenced other artists in EDM and pop music.
4. Musical Analysis
Encourage students to listen to a selection of Cascada songs actively and analyze each element – from beat patterns to vocal delivery. Discuss how these components work together to create catchy tunes that are characteristic of Eurodance.
5. Comparison and Cross-Genre Analysis
Teach students to compare Cascada’s music with that of other influential EDM acts, both contemporary and from the past. Investigate similarities and differences in musical style, instrumentation, and production techniques. This will give students a broader understanding of the evolution of dance music.
6. Creative Projects
Assign creative projects based on Cascada’s music. Students could compose their own Eurodance tracks, write lyrics inspired by Cascada’s songs, create a playlist featuring complementary artists, or create a multimedia presentation on the impact of EDM in pop culture.
7. In-Class Discussions and Debates
Offer opportunities for reflection and discussion through in-class debates and conversations. Possible topics include the importance of EDM in shaping contemporary popular music, the role of dance acts like Cascada in breaking down barriers between genres or analyzing the group’s use of specific sounds and production styles that have become iconic within the genre.
Conclusion
Incorporating Cascada into a music curriculum offers many valuable opportunities for students to learn about one of the most successful dance acts from Germany. It also provides a broader understanding of EDM as a significant force in modern popular music. By experimenting creatively through various projects inspired by Cascada’s work, exploring their influence on other artists, and engaging in analytical discussions, students will come away with a richer appreciation for these pioneers of Eurodance.
