Music Playlist Curation Project
Create a themed playlist with a purpose — workout songs, study music, road trip anthems, or "songs that make me happy" — and learn what makes a great mix.
What You'll Need
- 1Music streaming app or service
- 2Paper and pencil for brainstorming
- 3Optional: phone or tablet for playlist creation
What You'll Need
Access to a music streaming app or service
Paper and pencil for brainstorming the tracklist
Phone or tablet for creating the playlist
How to Play
Choose a theme: workout songs, study/focus music, road trip anthems, dance party, chill evening, "songs that make me happy," or morning energy.
Discuss what qualities make music good for that purpose. Workout music needs high energy and steady beats. Study music should be instrumental and calm.
Brainstorm songs together. Listen to 15-20 second snippets and debate: "Does this fit?" "Is the energy right?" "Would this ruin the vibe?"
Think about flow and order. Start with a strong opener, build energy through the middle, hit a peak, then wind down. This is called "programming" and it's an art.
Aim for 10-15 songs. Long enough to serve the purpose, short enough to be curated, not just everything thrown together.
Build the playlist in a streaming app or write the tracklist on paper if you don't have one.
Listen to the first 30 seconds of each song in order. Does the playlist flow? Does each transition feel natural? Adjust as needed.
Tips
Playlist curation teaches critical thinking about music. Your child has to articulate WHY a song fits or doesn't, which requires them to analyze musical qualities.
Great playlists have an arc — they take the listener on a journey. Teach your child to think about the emotional shape of their mix.
Creating a "study playlist" together is a practical life skill. Music that helps concentration is a tool they'll use through school and beyond.
Include a mix of songs you both know and new discoveries. Curating is partly about sharing music you love and partly about exploring.
Share the playlist with family or friends. Getting feedback on a creative project builds confidence and teaches how to receive opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: music streaming app or service, paper and pencil for brainstorming, optional: phone or tablet for playlist creation.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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