I N T H E S T Y L E O F "Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Objective: Students will be able to Perform the song “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele and demonstrate awareness of how she drew from musical inspirations at the age of 15 which ultimately forged her road to stardom ¥Perform a modern pop song used in film, tv, commercials and radio ¥Discover how inspiration through different genres can inspire success

“Adele” Biography Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born on May 5, 1988 in North London, England. She was the only child of Penny Adkins, an "arty mom" who was just 18 at the time of her birth, and a Welsh father, Mark, who left the family when Adele was only 4 years old. Her father, who never married Penny, remained in contact with his daughter up until her teen years, when his problems with alcohol, and increasing estrangement from his daughter, caused their relationship to deteriorate. By contrast, Adele grew close to her mom, who encouraged her young daughter "to explore, and not to stick with one thing."

Early on, Adele developed a passion for music. She gravitated toward the songs of Lauren Hill, Destiny's Child and Mary J. Blige. But her true, eye-opening moment came when she was 15, and she happened upon a collection of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald records at a local junk shop. "There was no musical heritage in our family," Adele told The Telegraph in a 2008 interview. "Chart music was all I ever knew. So when I listened to the Ettas and the Ellas, it sounds so cheesy, but it was like an awakening. I was like, oh, right, some people have proper longevity and are legends.

I was so inspired that as a 15-year-old I was listening to music that had been made in the 40s."Adele's debut album, 19, which is named for the singer's age when she began recording it, hit record stores in early 2008. Led by two popular lead singles, "Hometown Glory" and "Chasing Pavement," the record rocketed Adele to fame.

Released in the United States through Columbia Records, 19 resonated with American audiences, much like it had with British music listeners. Adele cemented her commercial success with an appearance in October 2008 on Saturday Night Live. At the taping of the show, the album was ranked No. 40 on iTunes. Less than 24 hours later, it was No. 1.

At the 2009 Grammy awards, Adele took home Best New Artist. In addition, the album earned the singer the distinction of being named the "Sound of 2008" by the BBC. That same year, she earned the Critics' Choice prize at the BRIT Awards.

Her much anticipated follow-up album, 21, again named for her age when she recorded it, did not disappoint upon its release in early 2011. Tapping even deeper into Adele's appreciation for classic American R&B and jazz, the record was a monster hit, selling 352,000 copies within its first week. Procedures 1. Play the song "Rolling in the Deep" from the Little Kids Rock Chord Chart Database. Facilitate discussion of the song based on student reaction and personal stories.

2. Discuss the biography of Adele noting her rise to stardom was hard fought and she had forged a road of musical success rising from a difficult childhood. Allow the students to guide the discussion.

3. Print/Handout or Display the “In The Style of ROLLING IN THE DEEP Chord Chart” and have the class begin with acoustic guitar. (Keyboard teachers should begin with the Keyboard Chart as this is a piano-centric song.)

4. Demonstrate how to play the song using methods applicable to your students (open chords, multiple voicings, single note chords, power chords, etc.).

5. Play through the progression allowing students to improvise.

6. Introduce the bass and drums from the "In The Style of ROLLING IN THE DEEP (Bass/Drum) Charts". Build the foundation of the groove, scaffolding the entire class into the song.

7. Introduce the Keyboard Chart and have students play the comping pattern as shown. (Keyboard teachers would add guitar at this point.)

8. Perform the song, add the vocals, rock out and Roll in the Deep!

LKR Core Values 5th Stream of Music Education & Music Acquisition Theory

National Standard for Music Education Addressed 1Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

District Standards