This PPT looks at the different musical genres and helps you learn how to talk about types of music when learning English. Check out www.ted-ielts.com for free IELTS practice.

1. Types of
Music

2. Discuss
What types (genres) of music
do you know?
• Work with a small group and
make a list.

3. What’s Popular
In America, people like these kinds of
music:

4. Rock Music
Musically, rock has centered on
the electric guitar, usually as part of
a rock group with electric
bass and drums and one or
more singers.

5. Hip Hop
Hip hop music is often known as rap. It
grew out of the African-American
community of the 1970s and ‘80s.

6. Alternative
Alternative rock is different from
mainstream rock. Many bands fall into
this category. It is simply constructed
music, usually involving guitars,
drums, and bass.

7. Pop
Pop is short for popular. It is
commercial and carefully produced to
suit current trends.

8. Jazz
Jazz is a highly creative and diverse
type of music involving many possible
instruments such as horns.

9. Classical
Classical usually refers to a period of
time when people like Bach and
Beethoven played. That style of music
continues until today.

10. There are many kinds of
music….
Let’s see some more types,
arranged by their influences.

12. Listen
You will now listen to a short
video that gives examples of
types of music.

13. How to Describe Music
Adjectives for music
____ music is…
• Soft
• Heavy
• Romantic
• Resonant
• Relaxing
• Lively

14. How to Describe Music
Effects of music
It makes me feel…
• Happy
• Relaxed
• Refreshed
• Upbeat
• Excited

15. Discuss
1. Do you often listen to
music?
2. What kind of music do you
listen to? Why?

16. Finally
In a small group, list some
of the benefits of listening
to music.

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materials and my teaching resources
website is perfect for ESL teachers.