Music Playlist Curation Project

Access to a music streaming app or service

Paper and pencil for brainstorming the tracklist

Phone or tablet for creating the playlist

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.

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.