Stephen Sondheim on Content Dictating Form
4:05
Grades: 7 - 12
Video Description: Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim discusses song writing and the importance of content dictating form.
Type of Video: Segment*
Unique Video ID: Sondheim-16**
Quick Ideas for Using the Video:
- This is one of many video segments excerpted from a longer interview with Mr. Sondheim. Use them in conjunction with a jigsaw activity with different students/groups watching different videos and sharing their learning with the class. The activity could be used as you explore the impact and legacy of Mr. Sondheim’s career in music and theatre, as part of a unit/activity dealing with music/lyric writing, as part of an activity on theatre production, or any number of related topics. To find all segments, use the keyword “Sondheim.”
- Prior to viewing this segment, learners should think about what content dictating form means. Were they correct or surprised by what Mr. Sondheim said in the segment?
*Segment videos are short excerpts edited from interviews or interactive programs that offer flexible and differentiated ways to use the rich content included in the full-length conversation.
**The unique Video ID can be used to quickly locate a single video in the ET collection. This search function is designed to let teachers assign students to watch a specific video and have only that video appear as a search result. Just click on Search and choose “By Video ID.” Then type in the Video ID as it appears above. Be sure to include the dash.
