‘More Than Words: Songs for the Language Classroom’ -our new book out now!
We are delighted to announce the release of our new book ‘More Than Words - Songs for the Language Classroom’ written by Tom Parkinson, Creative Listening’s Musical Director, and Luke Vyner, Creative Director.
The book is published by Cambridge University Press as part of the series Elements in Twenty-First Century Music Practice.
About the book:
English language teachers have long recognised pop songs' potential for engaging students and establishing positive classroom environments conducive to language learning.
Educational publishers increasingly incorporate music into their coursebooks, including specially commissioned 'ELT songs', whose lyrics feature aspects of target language.
This Element explores the phenomenon of ELT songs from the authors' insider perspective as songwriters. It considers the relationship between music and lyrics in songs, what this means for using songs in the language classroom, the historical developments through which ELT songs emerged, and the contexts in which they are written, listened to, and made.
Through literature review and reflection, the authors derive a framework of twelve criteria and ten dilemmas to guide ELT songwriting, before applying it in an analysis of their songs and songwriting process.
The final section proposes a model for multidisciplinary collaboration between songwriters and non-musician collaborators including authors, teachers, and publishers.
Visit the Cambridge University Press website to find out more.
If you’ve got an ELT or children’s songs project that you’d like to discuss, get in touch: hello@creativelistening.co.uk.