Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake”

Home , If It Makes You Happy, Jeff Trott, My Favorite Mistake

Educational Activities for Ovation documentary

Song by Song: Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake”

Grade Level – 9-12

 General Music

Materials for teacher  Ovation’s website http://www.ovationtv.com/education/

Note: It is recommended that teachers view all programming clips associated with these activities prior to using them in class.

Standards

National Core Arts Standards – Music

Activities and Resources contained in this document support the areas of: - Presenting - Responding - Connecting

National Standards for Arts Education

Music – Grades 9-12

Standard 6 – Listening to, analyzing and describing music

Standard 7 – Evaluating music and music performances

Standard 9 – Understanding music in relation to history and culture

Overview of Activities There are two parts to these resources.

In Part I, students will gain an understanding of the a pivotal time in the life, career and music of legendary music artist Sheryl Crow, by viewing and discussing segments of a documentary about this artist. They will be introduced to a significant song composed and performed by Crow. They will learn about the distinctive musical style of Crow and the talents and personal qualities that make her a renowned performer. Students will

Page | 1 enhance their reading and research skills, exploring websites on the Internet related to the individuals appearing in the documentary.

In Part II, students will listen to, analyze and discuss lyrics and performance of Sheryl Crow’s song “My Favorite Mistake.”

Length of Activities:

4 – 45-minute class periods

Part I, 2 class periods Sheryl Crow – Life, Career, Musicianship

Sheryl Crow’s song “My Favorite Mistake”

Part II, 2 class periods Analyzing Musical Elements of “My Favorite Mistake”

Instructional Objectives

- Students will understand how background influencers impacted creations of a significant music artist of the 20th and 21st centuries. - Students will identify song structure of a particular genre, indicating expressive qualities. - Students will understand how a composer uses musical concepts to contribute to meaning and mood of a song. - Students will understand how a pivotal life experience can inspire meaningful lyrics. - Students will enhance research skills.

Supplies

 computers with Internet access and a printer  equipment for screening documentary footage o White Board, or o laptop computer, projector with speakers, screen  Ovation’s documentary, Song by Song: Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake”  music by Sheryl Crow – CDs, streaming from Internet websites, and/or streaming from Ovation’s documentary  audio player for CDs  blank pieces of paper and pens  journals in binder format – for students’ notes and assessments

Page | 2

PART 1 Activity 1 – Day 1 Class work

Program Segments and Discussion: Song by Song: Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake”

The teacher will inform students that they will be viewing programming segments from a documentary about Sheryl Crow and that they will be discussing aspects of her life, career and music, based on the content of the programming. Each programming segment ranges from two to three minutes in length. The documentary provides an account of a pivotal period in her legendary career as a singer and songwriter, and focuses on a particular hit song Crow composed and performed, based on a significant personal event in her life.

Subject-related words

The teacher will relate the following list of words and definitions to the students for use during class discussions and in their writing assignments. These specific definitions were selected for their correlation to words used in association with these activities, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/. The students can obtain additional meanings for these words, and usage, from this website. agility noun :the quality or state of being agile: NIMBLENESS, DEXTERITY articulate adjective 1 a: divided into SYLLABLES or words meaningfully arranged: INTELLIGIBLE b. able to speak c: expressing oneself READILY, clearly, or effectively chord noun :three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously chorus noun 1 c: an organized company of singers who sing in concert: CHOIR, especially: a body of singers who sing the choral parts of a work (as in opera) 2 a: a part of a song or hymn recurring at intervals interpret verb - transitive verb 1: to explain or tell the meaning of: present in understandable terms intonation noun 3: the ability to play or sing notes in tune key noun 7 :a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic 8: a: characteristic style or tone b: the tone or pitch of a voice lyric noun 1 :a lyric composition; specifically : a lyric poem 2: the words of a song – often used in plural

Page | 3 melody noun 1: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds: TUNEFULNESS 2 :a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole mood noun 1: a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion: FEELING; also: the expression of mood especially in art or literature note noun 1 a (1) obsolete: MELODY, SONG (2)a (3): CALL, SOUND; especially: the musical call of a bird b: a written symbol used to indicate duration and pitch of a tone by its shape and position on the staff octave noun 3 a: a musical interval embracing eight diatonic degrees b: a tone or note at this interval c: the harmonic combination of two tones an octave apart d: the whole series of notes, tones, or digitals comprised within this interval and forming the unit of the modern scale phrase noun 3 : a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence 4: a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function rhythm noun 2 a: the aspect of music comprising all the elements (as accent, meter, and tempo) that relate to forward movement timbre noun :the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as a: the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound b: the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument tone noun :vocal or musical sound of a specific quality ; especially: musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression 2 a:a sound of definite pitch and vibration verse noun 1:a line of metrical writing 2 a(1):metrical language (2):metrical writing distinguished from poetry especially by its lower level of intensity (3): POETRY

Homework

Following are suggested Internet websites containing information about individuals of the music culture, images and examples of music related to the program. It is suggested that the teacher and students explore these resources prior to and throughout the class experience. The teacher will ask the students to keep notes in their journals about class discussions, and to log their observations.

Note: The Song by Song: Sheryl Crow programs include highlights and interviews with noted music artists, colleagues, producers and a journalist who have known and/or worked with

Page | 4

Sheryl Crow over many years. Individuals featured in the program include: Scooter Weintraub, Crowe’s manager; David Wild, music journalist, Rolling Stone magazine; Jay DeMarcus, of the Rascal Flatts band; Don Henley, singer/songwriter; Jimmy Iovine, Founder, Interscope Records; Willie Nelson, singer/songwriter; Jeff Trott, singer/songwriter and Crow’s co-writer; and Amy Grant, singer/songwriter.

Related Websites and Resources

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow website http://www.sherylcrow.com/about

Biography – Academy of Achievement http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/cro0bio-1

A-Z lyrics – “My Favorite Mistake” http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sherylcrow/myfavoritemistake.html

Jay DeMarcus

IMD – biography and career information http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1687376/

Amy Grant

Amy Grant website http://amygrant.com/about-amy/

Don Henley

IMD – biography and career information http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0377118/

Page | 5

Jimmy Iovine

IMD – biography and career information http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0409666/

Willie Nelson

IMD – biography and career information http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005268/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

Jeff Trott

Jeff Trott website http://www.jefftrott.com/

Scooter Weintraub

IMD – biography and career information http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0918550/

David Wild

Wikipedia - biography https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Wild

Preparation for Class Work Activities

“My Favorite Mistake” – Lyrics and Performance by Sheryl Crow

The teacher will access lyrics to the song “My Favorite Mistake” at the following website: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sherylcrow/myfavoritemistake.html

Page | 6

The teacher will distribute printed copies of the lyrics to each student, prior to engaging in the activities.

The teacher can access Crow’s performance of “My Favorite Mistake” at the following website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNZzuFQursU

Class Work The teacher will stream programming clips 1 through 4, from the documentary Song by Song: Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake.” Each clip is two to three minutes in length. Following each clip the teacher will engage the students in discussions about the content. The teacher may decide to use some or all the discussion points below, and include other points in the student dialogue.

Clip 1 Discussion Points - In this sequence we hear comments from Crow’s manager and music industry professionals about her talent, music style, influencers, and the time in her life when she wrote and recorded “My Favorite Mistake.” - Take notes during this program clip and begin a list about the person and musician being described. - A comment is made that there are elements of “sweet” and “sour” in Crow’s songs, and “light” and “dark.” Consider these descriptions and discuss the probable personality traits this connotes. - It is also said she was influenced by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones. In your opinion, what mix of styles, genres, and lyrics are represented in these music legends? - Given that Crow elected to go to New York City during this highly emotional period of her life and one of introspection, in your opinion, what inspiration might she have received being in the midst of NYC for her music composition?

Clip 2 Discussion Points - Continue to discuss the period in Crow’s music life when she was operating out of the Globe Studio, in the midst of New York City’s busy meat-packing district... - In this program clip singer/songwriter Jeff Trott describes his regard for Crow, and the process of co-writing with her. In your opinion, from what is being stated here, what kind of personal traits do you believe Crow and Trott likely possessed to successfully navigate this type of collaboration? - It is stated here that the approach Crow and Trott used is “organic.” In your opinion, what is meant by this term as it applies to composing music?

Page | 7

- Willie Nelson also comments about Crow in this segment. Begin to make a list of the significance, and style of the singer/songwriters who are featured in this program.

Clip 3 Discussion Points - Here we learn about the jam sessions at the Globe Studios, and Crow’s manager reflects about Crow’s fresh style to her music. - Reflect on the advice Crow was given by musician Don Henley. He advised her to try to write music not relating to today’s pop culture, but instead try to make it more universal. - Discuss this advice and its relevance to lyrics written by Crow. In your opinion, what are the likely benefits to composing music with a “universal” concept as the foundation? - In this program clip we learn about the beginnings of the music to “My Favorite Mistake.” Discuss the significance of using the guitar riff as a jumping-off point to the lyrics and the music. - In your opinion, what is the overall feel and tone of the song as it begins with this riff? - Discuss the significance of the comment that Crow and Trott are fresh about song writing, and the importance of not trying to recreate the feel and music of Crow’s hit song “If It Makes You Happy.”

Clip 4 Discussion Points - Discuss the significance of the statement that Crow does not write a rock and roll song from the traditional female point of view. In your opinion, what might traditional female points of view be? - Here Crow shares that writing “My Favorite Mistake” was a vibe. In your opinion, how might song-writing based on “a vibe” contribute to the meaning, emotion and feeling of the lyrics? - During this segment we watch the video created for “My Favorite Mistake,” with Crow as the sole performer. As you observe the video, make notes, and then discuss various elements of the video, such as Crow’s body language, facial expressions, movement of her arms and hands, and the overall setting. Discuss how you believe these elements enhance or distract from the interpretation of this song. - What is the overall tone and emotion you believe is being communicated in this performance?

Page | 8

- It is stated here that Crow is an intensely private person, and that speculation was rampant about who was Crow’s favorite mistake. Discuss this aspect of the song. In your opinion, how might this have enhanced or detracted from the song’s overall popularity on the billboard charts?

Activity 1 – Day 2 Class Work The teacher will continue to stream programming clips 5 through 7, from the documentary Song by Song: Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake.” Each clip is two to three minutes in length. Following each clip the teacher will engage the students in discussions about the content. The teacher may decide to use some or all the discussion points below, or include other points in the student dialogue.

Clip 5 Discussion Points - In this segment Crow states how there is something “cool” about the video, and the fact that there’s very little to it. She indicates that the song is about a relationship that is over. She was alone. The room was empty. Discuss the significance of Crow’s statements. In your opinion, do you agree or disagree that this was an effective video to communicate the emotion and topic of the song?

- It is stated here that when “My Favorite Mistake” was released as part of an album, it became a top 20 hit. It is also said here that the “first person” point of view deepened Crow’s bond with fans. Discuss the significance of this comment. In your opinion, how might a “first person” point of view make a stronger connection to listeners?

Clip 6 Discussion Points - During this segment, record company owner Jimmy Iovine relates the importance of looking for and working with an artist who is going to last. Discuss this aspect of the music business. Of what you have observed of Sheryl Crow as an artist, what aspects of her musicianship and also of her personally and professionally do you believe indicate she is an artist who is going to last?

- We learn here that Crow battled depression for several years and in 2006 was diagnosed with cancer. Consider this crisis in this artist’s life, and in your opinion what personality traits must she have possessed to move forward with her career?

Page | 9

- It is stated that in a lot of ways personally and creatively Sheryl Crow is not afraid. After having viewed and listened to interviews and performances in these program clips, do you agree with that statement? Expand on your opinion, citing specific examples to support your opinion.

- Crow states here “I think I’ve become a better songwriter for it.” Consider this comment and discuss ways that her experiences, in particular her experience with cancer, likely helped to make her a better songwriter.

Clip 7 Discussion Points - Here we listen as Willie Nelson cites that he and Crow have worked, sung, and performed together and that she is one of the best. In your opinion, from what you have learned about Crow from these program segments, in what ways does the word “best” apply to Crow? Discuss specifics of what you observe of her personal, professional and musicianship traits that would contribute to this assessment.

- It is stated here that while Crow’s favorite mistake remains a mystery, the song continues to remain an anthem for fans, years later. Discuss the meaning of the word “anthem” in the fullest sense. In your opinion, what elements of “My Favorite Mistake” might deem it worthy of being an anthem for fans?

- In this segment Jay DeMarcus of the Rascal Flatts band states “That’s really tough to do. To write songs that will touch you right where you live as soon as you hear it.” Discuss specific lyrics you have heard in “My Favorite Mistake.” List other lyrics from the song that you believe touch many listeners as soon as they hear it.

PART II

Activity 2 – Days 3-4

Over these next two days the teacher will engage the students in activities where they listen to and analyze the song ”My Favorite Mistake” composed and sung by music artist Sheryl Crow. Day 3 will be dedicated to analyzing the song’s lyrics. Day 4 will be dedicated to analyzing the artist’s performance of the song.

Page | 10

Preparation for Class Work Activities

“My Favorite Mistake” – Lyrics and Performance by Sheryl Crow

The teacher can access lyrics to the song “My Favorite Mistake” at the following website: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sherylcrow/myfavoritemistake.html

The teacher can access Crow’s performance of “My Favorite Mistake” at the following website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNZzuFQursU

Day 3 The teacher will do the following: 1. Stream a recording (or play a track from a cd on an audio player) of Sheryl Crow’s song “My Favorite Mistake.” 2. Distribute the lyrics to this song to the students, available at: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sherylcrow/myfavoritemistake.html 3. Ask a student to volunteer to read the lyrics aloud to the class. 4. Ask the students which phrases in the lyrics have the strongest impact conveying meaning and mood. 5. Ask the students to make notes in their journals about the following: a. What feelings do these lyrics evoke? b. Are the lyrics about a topic/emotion that is universal in nature? c. Did the composer write the lyrics with a sense of sadness, or self-pity? i. If so, or if not, indicate phrases supporting opinions 6. Ask the students to summarize three key scenarios they gleaned from the lyrics of “My Favorite Mistake.” Day 4 The teacher will do the following: 1. Stream the recording or play it on an audio player again – Sheryl Crow’s song “My Favorite Mistake” – paying attention all musical qualities of the performance. 2. Have the students analyze Sheryl Crow’s vocal performance of the song, focusing on the following: 3. Ask the students to focus on the following areas: - overall style - mood - agility - tempo - intonation - attitude - timbre - phrasing - technique

Page | 11

4. Ask the students to make notes in the journals about the various aspects of the performance. 5. Ask the students to volunteer sharing their assessments.

####

Assessment for these activities, to be determined by the teacher

It's these turnaround or these pivotal moments that introduce you to yourself ... these small or these huge catastrophic events in your life … I do think that that's where you meet yourself.

SHERYL CROW, Vanity Fair, Aug. 2006

Notable quotes.com