Celebrating The Detroit Techno Icon Juan Atkins

Objectives:

  • The student will discover who was Juan Atkins and why was he important to the history of Techno.
  • Students will discover who was Juan Atkins and why was he important to the history of Techno by discussing or writing responses to the following questions.

Teacher Discussion Guide:

Who was Juan Atkins and why was he important to the creation of the genera of Techno?

Students should explore the article below by looking at the images and listening to the original source documents contained in the article and use the info to answer the Thought Questions below.

Reading: Juan Atkins Originated Detroit Techno

Read the passage on Juan Atkins and listen to the song “Techno City” that is linked to in the article and use the questions below to facilitate a discussion.

Essential Questions

  • What are the unique characteristics of the genre Techno?
  • Why is it important for the creators of a musical art form to be recognized?
  • Why is Juan Atkins considered the originator of Detroit Techno?
  • What other artist have sampled songs by Juan Atkins in their music?
  • What original source documents are shown in this page?
  • When did Juan Atkins release his first track?

Here is FREE a poster we have created to highlight his place in Techno and EDM music history:

Juan Atkins Poster

About David Grandison Jr.

Music Origins Project is curated by David Grandison Jr. This site aims to remove the chronological and geographic barriers faced by music aficionados, students and travelers seeking to learn about the origins of the various musical genre while providing a platform for young writers and content creators to be published so that their voices can be heard.