Advice

Listening to music is an entertaining activity which can help students learn the target language and culture.  Music and songs can be used in many different ways; here are a few ideas:

• A little music in the target language can relax and motivate you  
• It can help to create the right atmosphere for more "serious" learning
• Students can study the lyrics of songs or try to write them down as they listen
• You can also read lyrics out aloud, sing along to the music, or invent your own 
• The lyrics of some songs could be the starting-point for a discussion or a piece of written work.
• Learn a song by heart helps to memorise useful phrases, particularly songs with repetitive lyrics
• Try translating the lyrics of a song into your mother tongue 

Whatever approach you adopt, the vast range of music available in most languages is a valuable resource for stimulating and enjoying the learning experience.

Here are a few useful links to different music companies:

Japanese music: a good online selection from Amazon - you can buy CDs using your credit card now!

LINKS (in alphabetical order)

Classical Music Information Center  Major Japanese orchestras, artist profiles, concert information and an extensive concert calendar, covering all of Japan. 

Dragon Ash  Japanese hip hop group. Features profiles, photos, audio clips, and more.

GLAY  Biography, discography, news.  Glay Addiction - with individual member profiles, discography, fan-art.

Japan Lyrics  Romanized J-Pop lyrics.

Japanese Flute  All about Japanese Flute (playing, hand making, and history of flutes (Japanese).

Masaharu, Fukuyama message board, profile, and information about the actor/singer's image in Japan.

m-flo.com  Hip hop/r'n'b News & information, biography, discography, special issue, links.  Or try m-flo

Natural Front The sounds of Japanese roots performed by world-class artists (concerts, workshops, events etc.)

Sakamoto  Official site: diary, links, and other information on the artist.("Merry Xmas Mr Lawrence")

Sheena, Ringo News and discography.

SMAP Boy band:  news, articles, profiles, and more.  Try also SMAPPU Desu! and We Love SMAP

SPEED Profiles, discography, gallery, etc. J-speed Biographies, stories, news, and touring schedule.

Utada Hikaru Official site with discography, profile, and news.