Music: Simple Genres

Here you can see a selection of musical genres, information, and examples. A lot of the descriptions were taken directly from English Live.


1) Pop

It is the most popular or common form of music in most countries. 

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepson




2) Rock

It is famous for being loud! Here, groups use electric guitars, bass and drums to create music with a strong beat and lots of energy.

Queen - We Will Rock You




3) Jazz

It has a strong rhythm and notes are often syncopated (come between beats). The melody can be improvised (invented while it is played) and uses a wide range of different scales.

Miles Davis - So What

Ezra Collective - Enter the Jungle



4) Dance

It is music designed for dancing. Most modern music of this genre is made with electronic instruments. 

Avicii - Levels



5) Hip-hop

It is a style of music that was created by black and Latino Americans in the USA. It involves rapping to electronic beats.

Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen - No Diggity

A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It? 


6) Blues

It is a style of music famous for being sad. The lyrics often share stories from the tough lives of the people who write blues songs.

B. B. King - The Thrill Is Gone

7) Folk

It is the traditional music of a particular group of people. English folk music often uses instruments like banjos and accordions.

Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

8) Classical

It is often performed by an orchestra (large group of musicians), a choir (a group of singers) or a soloist (just one person). People usually say a ‘piece’ of classical music rather than a ‘tune’ or ‘song’.

Nigel Kennedy - Vivaldi "Summer" 3rd Movement



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