Bright colors, energetic dancing, catchy beats, and music that crosses language barriers! During October, students at Michelle Tuesday Music School explored the exciting world of K-Pop in our Music Technology & Learning Lab.

Through listening activities and music history lessons, students discovered how Korean pop music has evolved over time. They also explored the instruments, musical influences, and elaborate performances that make K-Pop so distinctive.

As always, our students had plenty of interesting observations to share!

More Than Just Music: The K-Pop Experience

One of the first things our students noticed was that K-Pop is about more than just the songs. Music videos often feature synchronized choreography, colorful costumes, dramatic lighting, and large groups of performers.

Paisley S. noticed “lots of singers” and “big production,” including elaborate matching outfits and choreography.

Similarly, Sydney observed the vibrant colors, dancing, and group performances. Marissa L. recognized several familiar names, including BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and KPop Demon Hunters. However, she was surprised by just how many different artists appeared on the playlist.

Ellie M. noticed that the dancers moved differently from those in American pop videos. Meanwhile, Isaac O. was impressed by the energy, especially when he saw performers rolling across the floor!

Abrielle C. summed up the appeal of K-Pop performances: “The most fun part was the dancing because the moves were cool.”

Even the smallest details caught our students’ attention. William R. spotted a fish tank in AMPERS&ONE’s “Kick Start” video, which reminded him of his own betta fish. He also enjoyed seeing a performer do a cartwheel.

These observations helped students recognize how visual storytelling contributes to the overall musical experience.

A Musical Mix of Genres and Instruments

Although K-Pop stands for Korean pop music, it doesn’t have just one sound. Instead, artists incorporate elements of hip-hop, rock, electronic dance music (EDM), R&B, and other genres.

Our students were quick to identify these musical connections.

Hayden C. heard synthesizers that reminded him of EDM and techno. He also noticed violin in the music. Liam C. picked up on electronic sounds and guitars, comparing some songs to rock.

Ben Keller-Ritze thought the music sounded more like EDM than the pop music he usually hears. Likewise, Bryn M. noticed unfamiliar beats and instruments that made the songs sound different from what she was accustomed to.

Abrielle C. identified drums, guitars, singing, and piano. Meanwhile, Olivia F. noticed the music’s strong beats and frequent use of forte, the musical term for loud dynamics.

Graham G. recognized that K-Pop sounded different from Western music, while also noticing its wide variety of instruments.

These discoveries provided an opportunity to discuss how musical genres influence one another. K-Pop has developed its own identity while borrowing and adapting sounds from around the world.

Korean, English, and the Language of Music

Another popular observation involved the languages used in K-Pop songs.

Ira V. noticed that most lyrics were in Korean, although some sections were in English. Anne W. made a similar observation, explaining that K-Pop can include English but doesn’t have to.

Ellie M. noticed repeated words alongside the mixture of Korean and English lyrics.

For Hayden C., this combination was especially interesting. Hearing both languages in the same songs “just added a whole new level for me.”

During her listening activities, Olivia F. noticed that English seemed to become more common in the songs from the 2000s onward.

As K-Pop expanded internationally, artists increasingly incorporated English words, phrases, and sometimes entire songs. However, Korean remains central to the genre’s identity.

Our students discovered that understanding every word isn’t necessary to appreciate music. Rhythm, melody, expression, and performance can communicate across language barriers.

Discovering K-Pop’s History

Our Music History station gave students a chance to investigate how K-Pop developed into an international phenomenon.

Although modern K-Pop emerged in the 1990s, its musical roots reach back much further. Korean popular music was shaped by traditional Korean styles, Japanese influences, American popular music, and decades of cultural change.

Grayson B. learned about Korean popular music in the 1950s and its continuing development. He also discovered a story involving a teenager learning Japanese to perform songs.

Beatrice V. explored the early generations of K-Pop and learned about H.O.T., one of the pioneering idol groups of the 1990s. She was especially interested in how elaborate their choreography was compared with many American music videos of the time.

Charlotte M. noticed differences between older and newer groups, including group sizes, the balance of boy groups and girl groups, and the use of English in lyrics.

Jaylin HB. learned how different groups developed their own musical identities. He also discovered how rivalries and competition helped shape the industry.

Meanwhile, Savion S. noticed the variety of performers, from solo artists to small and large groups. He particularly enjoyed the hip-hop influences.

Shubham K. discovered that K-Pop has taken many forms throughout its history and that its artists have achieved major milestones.

Together, these observations revealed how K-Pop has continually changed while building on earlier musical traditions.

Different Sounds, Different Opinions

Not every student became a K-Pop fan, and that’s an important part of musical exploration!

William R. described the songs as pop music but said they didn’t sound like what he usually listens to. Isaac O., after exploring the history of the genre, felt indifferent about K-Pop.

Charlotte M. enjoyed KATSEYE but noticed that their music sounded different from the songs on our playlist. Her observation also opened the door to discussing how global pop groups can be influenced by K-Pop without fitting neatly into the Korean pop category.

Other students were enthusiastic about what they heard. Anne W. described the music as upbeat and fun, while Savion S. thought the groups were cool.

Learning about music doesn’t require everyone to enjoy the same songs. Instead, we encourage students to listen carefully, identify musical elements, and explain their opinions.

What Can We Learn From K-Pop?

Our October exploration demonstrated how much students can discover when they approach unfamiliar music with curiosity.

They identified instruments, recognized influences from other genres, compared performance styles, and explored how language and culture shape music. In addition, they practiced describing what they heard using musical vocabulary.

Perhaps most importantly, they discovered that music is constantly evolving. Artists borrow ideas, experiment with new sounds, and create something distinctive from their influences.

At Michelle Tuesday Music School, our Music Technology & Learning Lab encourages students to explore music beyond their regular lessons. Each monthly theme introduces new styles, histories, and creative possibilities.

Whether our students leave a lesson with a new favorite artist or simply a better understanding of an unfamiliar genre, they’ve gained something valuable.

After all, every new musical discovery gives us another way to listen, learn, and grow.