Runaway Blues
Ma Rainey
Alternative embedded performance: Ma Rainey — Runaway Blues. The preferred recording remains linked on YouTube.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 TIMBREWhat instruments can you hear with the singer?
Sentence stemI can hear ___.
Vocabulary
- voice
- trumpet
- trombone
- piano
2 PITCHDoes the singer’s tune stay the same or move up and down?
Sentence stemThe tune ___.
Vocabulary
- stays similar
- rises
- falls
3 STRUCTUREWhich line or idea is repeated?
Sentence stemThe ___ is repeated.
Vocabulary
- line
- words
- tune
- repeated
4 PULSECan you tap a steady beat?
Sentence stemThe beat is ___.
Vocabulary
- steady
- slow
- strong
5 DYNAMICSIs the singer loud, quiet or changing?
Sentence stemThe singer is ___.
Vocabulary
- loud
- quiet
- changing
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1920s · Blues
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present