Lesson Plan: Exploring the History of Detroit Techno
Celebrating The Detroit Techno Icon Juan Atkins
Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)
Subject: Music History
Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify the unique characteristics of the Techno genre.
2. Understand the significance of recognizing creators in a musical art form.
3. Explain why Juan Atkins is considered the originator of Detroit Techno.
4. Recognize artists who have sampled songs by Juan Atkins.
5. Analyze original source documents related to the history of Detroit Techno.
6. Determine the release date of Juan Atkins’ first track.
Materials:
1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Projector or screen for multimedia presentation
3. Computers/tablets for research (optional)
4. Handouts of relevant articles and source documents
5. Audio clips of Techno tracks, including examples by Juan Atkins
Extension Activities (Optional):
Listening Session: Play a selection of Techno tracks from different eras, including tracks by Juan Atkins, to help students better understand the evolution of the genre.
Artist Profile: Assign students to research and create a presentation on another key figure in the Detroit Techno scene, such as Eddie Fowlkes, Derrick May or Kevin Saunderson.
Create Your Techno Track: Have students experiment with creating their own Techno track using digital music software or apps.
Download and print this FREE we have created to highlight Juan Atkins and his place in Techno and EDM music history:
