There are quite a few well produced video clips emerging lately called “Google Doodles” which are being shown on the google home page on the major anniversaries of well known artists and events. They’re becoming more fun, quirky, interactive and highlight rock musicians and events in a positive way.
This video shows what the google doodle is in more detail and gives you a bit of background:
Just in case you missed it, here the latest Google Doodle.
This google doodle appeared on the google home page to commemorate the anniversary of what would have been a music great’s Freddie Mercury’s 65th birthday who was best known as being the lead singer for the rock group Queen and for his his “flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals over a four-octave range”. This clip is a brilliant mix of imagery mixed with the classic Queen song called “Don’t Stop Me Now”
This article called Google Doodle Celebrates Freddie Mercury’ s 65th Birthday explains in more detail about Freddie Mercury to make it easier to explain to students and provides some great links to other footage and Google Doodles.
Another company who are doing some great short and educational music clips are called Music Matters. Here are a few of the best ones to have a look at:
This clip is about Janis joplin and her contribution to music as she rose into prominence in the late 1960’s.
This is the story of English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, Kate Bush. Any teenager could easily relate to this and would be inspired by it.
But now I’d love to see your opinion on this !!! Do you think these short clips should be shown in the music classroom? Do your students ask you about google doodles? Do you talk to your students about the artists in these clips? What is your favourite short clip or google doodle? Please leave your feedback in the comment area below as this would be a great way to share more links and find out what the opinion of other music educator’s are.
These are great! I spend hours on YouTube & incorporate lots of clips in my music teaching. The kids love watching them on the interactive whiteboard. It’s a wonderful resource to add to your lesson :-)
Yes they are quite relevant. I don not see a reason why the clips cant be used in teaching music. It is very enjoyable. Kudos to google
I too have loved Kate Bush’s music unique take on music and singing. The man with the child in his eyes is my personal favourite. Google Doodle is a great way to learn about your favourite artists. Great blog.
I have loved Kate Bush’s music since her wonderful song Man with a child in his eyes was released. Such expressions and passion in her voice.
I’m loving ALL these clips and I do believe they are relevant. I will suggest them for my own rock music school students!
I have admired and melted to the songs of Kate Bush since the early 1980’s. I love knowing more about the seldom seen Ms. Bush. For me, this was an enjoyable little video.