PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Issue 041

Modern Music Instruments ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about music-making technology, sampling, modern bands and what it really means to be a musician.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Explore how modern music is made with 15 authentic ESL discussion questions from No Strings Attached, Perspective English Issue 041. Discuss learning instruments, producers, sampling, K-pop, music software and whether playing an instrument is essential to being a musician. Use these questions for pair work, group discussions or classroom debates at three English levels.

A

Beginner · A1–A2

Start the conversation

  1. 01

    Have you ever tried to play an instrument? How did it go?

  2. 02

    Is it important to you that a singer can play an instrument?

  3. 03

    Why do people still love groups like K-pop bands?

  4. 04

    Is using a sample from an old song making music or borrowing it?

  5. 05

    Will people still learn the guitar in fifty years? Does it matter?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 No Strings Attached lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    Have you ever tried to learn an instrument? How did it go?

  2. 02

    Does it matter to you whether a singer plays an instrument?

  3. 03

    Why do you think audiences still love groups but not rhythm sections?

  4. 04

    Is using a sample from an old record creating or borrowing?

  5. 05

    Will anyone still learn the guitar in fifty years, and does it matter?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 No Strings Attached lesson →

The sound got bigger. The band got smaller.

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    Have you ever tried to learn an instrument? What made you stop or keep going?

  2. 02

    Has learning how a song was made ever changed how you felt about it?

  3. 03

    Why do you think audiences still love groups but no longer need a rhythm section?

  4. 04

    Is building a hit around a sample an act of creation or of borrowing?

  5. 05

    If anyone can make a track in ten minutes, is musical skill worth more or less?

Push the discussion further.Explore the C1–C2 No Strings Attached lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with No Strings Attached, Perspective English Issue 041. Explore modern music production, sampling, musical skills and the changing role of bands through reading, vocabulary, critical thinking and speaking activities at your students’ level.

A1–A2

Explore bands, instruments, producers and samples through accessible questions and creative speaking tasks.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Discuss home studios, sampling, K-pop groups and the changing meaning of musical skill.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Debate artistic authorship, sampling, economics, AI-generated music and who counts as a musician.

View advanced lesson →