Lesson Plan
Chart Toppers Unveiled
Students will analyze the structure, rhythm, and lyrical themes of today’s top-charting songs, applying music theory concepts to familiar tracks in collaborative activities.
Connecting music theory to students’ favorite hits boosts engagement, deepens understanding of compositional elements, and fosters critical listening and creativity.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided listening with handouts and group discussion.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print copies of Song Structure Handout, Rhythm Pattern Worksheet, and Lyrics Analysis Template.
- Queue up and test audio clips in the Chart Toppers Playlist.
- Review song excerpts and familiarize yourself with each handout’s prompts.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Ask students to share a current favorite hit song.
- Introduce lesson goals: analyzing structure, rhythm, and lyrics.
- Briefly play a snippet from the Chart Toppers Playlist.
Step 2
Song Structure Analysis
10 minutes
- Play the first song excerpt from the Chart Toppers Playlist.
- Students label sections (verse, chorus, bridge) on the Song Structure Handout.
- Discuss how each section contributes to the song’s overall impact.
Step 3
Rhythm Pattern Activity
7 minutes
- Play a percussive segment from a second chart-topper.
- Students clap or tap the basic beat and record patterns on the Rhythm Pattern Worksheet.
- Compare observations and highlight syncopation or unique accents.
Step 4
Lyrical Theme Exploration
5 minutes
- Distribute the Lyrics Analysis Template with a selected verse and chorus.
- Students identify central themes, imagery, and emotional tone.
- Volunteers share their thematic insights with the class.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
3 minutes
- Summarize the three musical elements studied.
- Exit ticket: each student names one element and describes how it appears in a hit song.
Slide Deck
Chart Toppers Unveiled
Exploring Structure, Rhythm, and Themes in Today’s Hits
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today we’ll analyze structure, rhythm, and lyrics of chart-topping songs to understand music theory in real contexts.
Lesson Objectives
• Analyze song sections (verse, chorus, bridge)
• Identify and notate rhythm patterns
• Explore lyrical themes and imagery
Read through the objectives aloud and emphasize how each connects to their favorite songs.
Introduction & Hook
What’s your current favorite hit song?
Share with a partner and be ready to tell us the title and one reason you love it.
Ask students to turn to a neighbor and share their current favorite hit song. After 1 minute, invite a few volunteers to name and describe why they like it.
Play the first 30-second clip from the Chart Toppers Playlist. Prompt students to listen for sections.
Song Structure Analysis
- Label each section on your handout.
- Note where the hook occurs.
- Discuss: How does the chorus differ from the verse?
Distribute the Song Structure Handout. Guide students as they label verse, chorus, and bridge. Discuss how these parts create contrast and build excitement.
Play a 20-second percussion segment (Track 2) and have students clap or tap along. Encourage noticing accents and syncopation.
Rhythm Pattern Activity
• Clap/tap the beat and notate in the worksheet.
• Identify any syncopated or off-beat accents.
• Share one unique rhythmic feature you hear.
Hand out the Rhythm Pattern Worksheet. Students record the basic beat and any syncopated accents. Compare in small groups.
Lyrical Theme Exploration
• Identify the central theme or message.
• Highlight vivid imagery or metaphors.
• Describe the emotional tone in two words.
Provide each student with the Lyrics Analysis Template. Read verse and chorus together, then work individually to find themes and imagery.
Wrap-Up & Reflection
Exit Ticket: Name one musical element studied today and describe how it appears in a hit song you know.
Summarize the three focus areas. Collect exit tickets: students write one element (structure/rhythm/lyrics) and how it appears in a chosen hit song.
Worksheet
Song Structure Handout
Instructions: Listen to the first song from the Chart Toppers Playlist. As you listen, complete the following sections.
Part A: Label the Sections
On the time stamps below, write Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, or Bridge.
- 0:00 – 0:15: _______________
- 0:15 – 0:45: _______________
- 0:45 – 1:10: _______________
- 1:10 – 1:30: _______________
- 1:30 – 2:00: _______________
Part B: Identify the Hook
At what time does the song’s main hook (most memorable melody or lyric) occur?
Time: _______________
Part C: Short-Answer Reflections
- Describe how the chorus differs from the verse in melody or instrumentation.
- What role does the bridge play in this song’s overall structure?
- How does the arrangement build or release tension between sections? Provide specific examples.
Use this handout to guide our discussion during the Song Structure Analysis activity.
Worksheet
Rhythm Pattern Worksheet
Instructions: Play the percussive segment (0:00–0:20) from the Chart Toppers Playlist. Clap or tap the basic beat, then use the spaces below to notate your observations.
Part A: Basic Beat Notation
Notate the underlying 4/4 pulse for each measure. Label each beat and subdivision (1-&-2-&-3-&-4-&) with X’s or symbols to show where you hear the main pulse.
Measure 1 (0:00–0:05): ___________________________________________________
Measure 2 (0:05–0:10): ___________________________________________________
Measure 3 (0:10–0:15): ___________________________________________________
Measure 4 (0:15–0:20): ___________________________________________________
Part B: Syncopation & Accents
List and notate any off-beat or syncopated accents you hear. Indicate the beat number (e.g., “& of 2”) and describe how it differs from the steady pulse.
- Accent 1 (time stamp): ___________________________________________________
- Accent 2 (time stamp): ___________________________________________________
Part C: Reflection
- How does the rhythm pattern contribute to the song’s energy or mood?
- Which rhythmic feature (pulse or syncopation) stood out most to you, and why?
Use this worksheet during the Rhythm Pattern Activity to guide your listening and notation.
Worksheet
Lyrics Analysis Template
Instructions: Read the printed verse and chorus excerpt and complete the following analysis.
Part A: Central Theme
-
What is the central theme or message of this excerpt?
-
List two specific lines from the lyrics that support this theme:
Line 1: _________________________________
Line 2: _________________________________
Part B: Imagery & Figurative Language
Example 1:
Quote the line: _________________________________
Type of figurative language (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification): _______________
Effect on listener or mood:
Example 2:
Quote the line: _________________________________
Type of figurative language: _______________
Effect on listener or mood:
Part C: Emotional Tone
-
Select two words that capture the emotional tone of the excerpt:
- Word 1: _______________
- Word 2: _______________ -
Explain how specific words or phrases create this tone:
Part D: Personal Connection
How do these lyrics relate to your own experiences or feelings?
Use this template during the Lyrical Theme Exploration to guide your analysis.