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Music Mellows Mayhem

Updated: Mar 7, 2022


What is it about music and its ability to reach depths within us that few other things can? Take it from one of the greatest songwriters ever. As Billy Joel noted, “I think music in itself is healing.” It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”


Moreover, it's no secret that music has a multitude of health benefits. These positive attributes include:

-Reduces stress

-Lessens anxiety

-Improves exercise

-Improves memory

-Eases pain

-Provides comfort

-Improves cognition


On the cognitive front, music can have dramatic effects on the brain, as well. As noted in Chapter 8: Effortless Pursuit, in my book, "studies have shown that music with a tempo of around 60 beats per minute can allow the human brain to synchronize with the beat creating something known as the alpha brainwave. The alpha brainwave is the form of wave which is present when we are in a consciously relaxed state."


So, when our world turned upside down with the Coronavirus, and remote learning has become the norm, music was the first thing I turned to. I figured if anything was going to put a smile on my student's face in these times of uncertainty, it would be music.

With the help of FlipGrid (a free app found on the internet), I'm able to allow students to make a video of themselves sharing what they have learned while practicing their public speaking skills. The benefit of FlipGrid is that it gives each student a voice, even the shiest of individuals. This app allows the students to record when and where they choose, making it a less taxing experience.


So, each day I play part of a song on my guitar or piano, while leaving little clues along the way for my students. The students then respond as to what they believe the song to be, along with their "aha" moment on how they figured it out. They are absolutely loving this activity and if I'm being honest, so am I.


For the remainder of the blog post, I'll be sharing the songs I have played (with the clue provided) along with an example of one of my student's responses to each. Enjoy!


Music Mends Mayhem 1


Clue 1: The lead singer stated, "I was thinking about football when I wrote it. I wanted a participation song."



Music Mends Mayhem 2


Clue 1: This song's title was the performer's "alter ego".



Music Mends Mayhem 3


Clue 1: I'm not giving a clue this time; I'll just give you an opinion. This song is one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking songs ever written.



Music Mends Mayhem 4


Clue 1: I'm not "saying" a clue this time. But there's a clue if you know where to look.



Music Mends Mayhem 5


Clue 1: I'm not "saying" a clue this time. But there's a clue if you know where to look and "listen".



Music Mends Mayhem 6


Clue 1: "Look" closely!


Music Mends Mayhem 7


Clue 1: Your mom and/or dad probably danced to this song in middle or high school:)



Music Mends Mayhem 8


Clue 1:#32 played basketball with a lot of "heart."

Clue 2: Is Annie a Dreamboat?

Clue 3:Two sisters sang this song!



Music Mends Mayhem 9


Clue 1: This band used this as a closing song for their concerts.

Clue 2: The album version runs 9:08 in length.

Clue 3: At its core, it's a love song.


Music Mends Mayhem 10


Clue 1: This artist said he was inspired to write this song after having a dream of walking under the sea.



Music Mends Mayhem 11


Clue 1: This song was inspired by a sci fi story (by Ray Bradbury) about a father who felt guilty leaving his family in order to do his job.



Music Mends Mayhem 12


Clue 1: This song was based on a 17th Century poem by Thomas Dekker.

Clue 2:This beautiful song was on the last album recorded by this band.



Music Mends Mayhem 13


FOR THIS ONE, A PARENT OR OLDER SIBLING MUST RECORD THE VIDEO:)

Clue 1:This song was a written for a former bandmate (of this group) who suffered mentally and could not cope with reality.



Music Mends Mayhem 14


Clue 1: This song was a tribute to the band's original singer who died before making this album.



Music Mends Mayhem 15


Clue 1: This song was a tribute to "glam rock" as referenced by the crazy outfits this artist used to wear.



Music Mends Mayhem 16

Clue 1: Remember not all that glitters is gold!



-Beatles Week-


Music Mends Mayhem 17


Clue 1: It's Beatles week! That's all you're going to get.



Music Mends Mayhem 18


Clue 1: It's Beatles week!

Clue 2: Stay connected! This can be a"lonely"time.



Music Mends Mayhem 19


Clue 1: It's Beatles week!



Music Mends Mayhem 20


TODAY'S SONG I WANT A GUEST STAR (PARENT, PET, STUFFED ANIMAL) WITH YOU.

Clue 1: It's Beatles week!

Clue 2: It was Paul!



Music Mends Mayhem 21


AS PART OF TODAY'S ANSWER, I WANT

A. THE SONG

B. A HISTORICAL PERSON FROM THIS ALBUM'S COVER. LOOK CLOSELY.

CLUE 1: I like peppers:)



-The Art of the Opening Riff-


Music Mends Mayhem 22

The next 2 weeks,) we are going to do what I call THE ART OF THE OPENING ROCK RIFF. I'm going to pick some of the most iconic opening guitar rock n' roll riffs. Let's have some more FUN!

Clue 1:The artist is Eric Clapton.

Clue 2: The director, Martin Scorsese, uses this song in some of his films (i.e. Goodfellas).

Question: What is the song title?


Music Mends Mayhem 23


Clue 1:This should bring back memories to our first week of school:)

Question: What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 24

Clue 1:Band is Led Zeppelin

Clue 2:Song is on their 2nd album: Led Zeppelin II

Clue 3:Ranked as #75 of the top 500 rock songs of all time.

Question:  What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 25


Clue 1: Electric current

Clue 2: Australia

Clue 3: a loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash due to the expansion of rapidly heated air.

Question:  What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 26


Clue 1: The Wizard of Oz

Clue 2: Dorothy

Clue 3: Red shoes

Question: What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 27

Clue 1:This is a love song to where I grew up.

Clue 2:This band was my childhood. They were superheroes to me.

Question:  What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 28


Clue 1:This rock song was remade in the 80's and was the first time rock and rap crossed musical genres!

Question: What is the song title and by whom?



Music Mends Mayhem 29

Clue 1:This rap song actually has one of the simplest, yet most recognizable opening guitar riffs.

Clue 2:You know, I grew up a couple miles south of 8 mile:)

Question: What is the song title and by whom?



-Jonas Brothers Week-


Music Mends Mayhem 30

Clue 1: This song is on the Jonas Brothers album titled "Happiness Begins."

Clue 2: Me:)

Question: What is the song title?




Music Mends Mayhem 31

Clue 1: This song is on the Jonas Brothers album titled "LInes, Vines and Trying Times."

Clue 2: Cute little birdies:)

Question: What is the song title?




Music Mends Mayhem 32

Clue 1: This song is on the 2007 Jonas Brothers album titled "Jonas Brothers".

Clue 2: HELP ME PLEASE!

Question: What is the song title?


Music Mends Mayhem 33


Clue 1: This song is on the Jonas Brothers album titled "It's About Time".

Clue 2: 980

Question: What is the song title?


Music Mends Mayhem 34

Last Jonas Brothers song!

Clue 1: This song is on the Jonas Brothers album titled "A Little Bit Longer."

Clue 2: 752 Degrees F

Question: What is the song title?



-The 2000's-


Music Mends Mayhem 35


It's the 2000's! Here ya' go Bella!

Clue 1: On the album "Crush."

Clue 2: Seen this band in concert twice; first as a freshman on their Slippery When Wet tour.

Question:  What is the song title and who is the band?


Music Mends Mayhem 36


It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: In this song, the artist is tired of keeping the truth about his past inside, and he wants to let everyone know about the things that happened in his childhood.

Clue 2: This album was released in 2002 from another hometown boy.

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?



Music Mends Mayhem 37


It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: If I lent you a nickel, would you ever pay me back?

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?



Music Mends Mayhem 38

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: I grew up in the same city as where this band came from. Well, it was the same name, but their city is actually located in Chicago.

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?




Music Mends Mayhem 39

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: It's an "interrogative" song title.

Clue 2: Artist's name means an airplane powered by one or more powerful engines.

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?




Music Mends Mayhem 40

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: I love chili! Especially with hot peppers:)

Clue 2: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?





Music Mends Mayhem 41

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: This song was a hit from this band's debut album titled,Fallen.

Clue 2: The first pop/rock group since No Doubt (Gwen Stefani) to feature a female lead singer in an otherwise male band and have a hit song.

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?


Music Mends Mayhem 42

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1:Lead singer Chris Martin has said that the lyrics are about being devoted to someone.

Clue 2:Ironically, the lead singer of this band says that his favorite color is blue!

Question:What is the song title and who is the artist?




Music Mends Mayhem 43

It's the 2000's!

Clue 1: Lead singer used to be the phenomenal drummer in Nirvana.

Clue 2: Lead singer says it's about the search for some sort of inspiration, the search for signs of life that will make you feel alive.

Question:What is the song title and who is the artist?




Music Mends Mayhem 44

This is it! The last week of our Rock n' Roll FlipGrid journey. THESE TWO SONGS CAN BE WHATEVER I WANT:)

Clue 1: Most downloaded song ever.

Question: What is the song title and who is the artist?

NOTE: IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE SING A LINE OR TWO FROM THE SONG, I WILL EXCUSE ONE PIECE OF WORK THAT YOU CHOOSE FOR THE 4TH QUARTER.YOU MUST LET ME KNOW IN THE VIDEO WHAT YOU WANT EXCUSED.IF YOU'RE DONE WITH EVERYTHING, DISREGARD. YOU JUST KEEP ON ROCKING!




Music Mends Mayhem 45

This is it! Our our Rock n' Roll FlipGrid journey has come to an end.

Clue 1: The Beatles

Clue 2: Paul wrote this song for John Lennon's son Julian, who was sad about his dad divorcing his mom, Julia.

Question: What is the song title?

NOTE: IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE SING A LINE OR TWO FROM THE SONG, I WILL EXCUSE ONE PIECE OF WORK THAT YOU CHOOSE FOR THE 4TH QUARTER. YOU MUST LET ME KNOW IN THE VIDEO WHAT YOU WANT EXCUSED. IF YOU'RE DONE WITH EVERYTHING, DISREGARD. YOU JUST KEEP ON ROCKING!



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