Debate-Style Skit: Sustainability and the Music Industry Curriculum Integration Ideas for Media Courses

The Value of Curriculum Integration

Seneca Music courses offer the opportunity to share lived experiences, think critically, and explore new ideas through TRC, EDI, and Sustainability lenses. The curriculum honours the diversity of learners, supports the exploration of identity, and fosters inclusive learning that values and uplifts all students.

Setting the Context

Goal: The goal of this activity is to encourage students to critically examine the environmental impact of the music industry and engage with differing perspectives on current production and consumption practices. The activity promotes informed discussion about more sustainable approaches to creating, distributing, and enjoying music.

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will participate in a debate where two roles (Student A and Student B) advocate for opposing viewpoints on the sustainability of the music industry. One student will argue in favor of current production/consumption trends, while the other will argue against them, advocating for more sustainable methods.

The debate will cover key aspects of the industry, including streaming, instrument/equipment manufacturing, vinyl and physical media, touring, and merchandising. The discussion will end with a group “what can we do?” question, which reflects on what specific steps the music industry and consumers can take to reduce their environmental impact.

Students will have the opportunity to listen to others’ perspectives, a key component of good critical thinking behaviour. Students will also develop deeper knowledge of sustainability concepts and approaches through research and preparation for the debate. Finally, presenting this activity as a skit makes it engaging for students, which helps build a sense of community and a positive learning environment.

Activity Objectives

1. Describe the environmental impacts of modern music production, consumption, and live events.
2. Debate the benefits and drawbacks of current industry practices.
3. Generate potential solutions for making the music industry more sustainable.
4. Reflect on our personal role in shaping a more sustainable future for the music industry.

Debate Procedure

1. Set the stage by asking students to reflect on the impact of the music industry on the environment, for example: “When you listen to music, do you ever think about its environmental footprint? What aspects of the music industry do you think might be harmful to the planet?”
2. Present the roles to the students and explain that each side will advocate for their position using the provided points as a starting place. They should support their claims with arguments and/or evidence, and make attempts to refute the claims made by their opponents.
3. Have Student A and Student B present their skit. They can use the sample talking points verbatim or improvise based on their knowledge and research.
4. Encourage the rest of the class to ask questions or contribute short responses after each debate exchange. They could ask for clarification on certain points or offer counterarguments.

Debate Theme #1: Streaming

Pro Streaming: Accessibility & Reach

• Sample talking point- Pro Streaming (in the role of “Streaming Advocate”)
• “Streaming gives everyone access to millions of songs, anywhere, anytime. Indie artists can be heard without a label. That’s democratizing music distribution.”

Con Streaming: Data & Energy

• Sample talking point- Con Streaming (in the role of “Eco-Conscious Critic”)
• “True, but streaming requires massive data centers which use incredible amounts of energy. One estimate says streaming 1-hour of music = about 55 grams of CO₂; multiply that by billions of users.”

Pro Streaming: Algorithm Culture

• Sample talking point- Pro Streaming (in the role of “Label Rep”)
• “Algorithms are like digital word-of-mouth. They’ve launched careers for artists who never had label support—like bedroom producers, TikTok singers, or small-town rappers.”

Con Streaming: Over-Consumption

• Sample talking point- Con Streaming (in the role of “Eco-Conscious Critic”)
• “Music algorithms feed endless recommendations and autoplay, encouraging constant, passive listening. They’re designed for engagement, not sustainability.”

Debate Theme #2: Technology

Pro Tech: Instrument/Equipment Manufacturing

• Sample talking point- Pro Tech (in the role of “Instrument maker/Gearhead”)
• “High-quality instruments need strong, durable woods and metals. Besides, many builders now source materials ethically and plant trees in return.”

Con Tech: Instrument/Equipment Manufacturing

• Sample talking point- Con Tech (in the role of “Green Tech Advocate”)
• “Exotic woods like rosewood are endangered and over-harvested. Amp production uses lots of plastics and metals that are hard to recycle.”

Pro Tech: Vinyl & Physical Media Revival

• Sample talking point- Pro Tech (in the role of “Collector”)
• “Collectors keep vinyl for decades—it doesn’t go to waste like data. Liner notes and album art work make vinyl records cultural artifacts.”

Con Tech: Vinyl & Physical Media Revival

• Sample talking point- Con Tech (in the role of “Eco Analyst”)
• “Vinyl production is resource-heavy. It uses PVC (a plastic derived from fossil fuels), packaging, and international shipping leaving a big carbon footprint.”

Debate Theme #3: Touring

Pro Touring: Merch, Fast Fashion & Overproduction

• Sample talking point- Pro Touring (in the role of “Artist Rep/Designer”)
• “Shirts and hoodies are wearable memories of concerts and a big part of artist income. Besides, some artists use organic cotton and eco-inks now.”

Con Touring: Merch, Fast Fashion & Overproduction

• Sample talking point- Con Touring (in the role of “Sustainability Consultant”)
• “Most merch is made using cheap, fast-fashion methods which is bad for workers and the Earth. Leftover merch is frequently trashed, especially after tours.”

Pro Touring: Festivals & Other Live Events

• Sample talking point- Pro Touring (in the role of “Tour Manager”)
• “Fans crave real connection. Streaming can’t replace a concert or festival experience.”

Con Touring: Festivals & Other Live Events

• Sample talking point- Con Touring (in the role of “Eco Friendly Artist Rep”)
• “A single world tour can emit more carbon than 1,000 homes in a year.”

Debrief and Reflection

To connect learning with reflection, action and impact, consider the following questions:

• Can you identify one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aligns with with the points you were making?
• Which argument or fact made you think further about music’s environmental impact?
• What trade-offs between sustainability, accessibility, and artistic expression became clearer during the debate?
• Who do you think is responsible for reducing music’s carbon footprint: Listeners, artists, companies, or governments?
• What are some practical things the music industry could do to be more eco-friendly without hurting creativity or access?

Call to Action:

• What is one thing you might do as a listener, musician or industry professional to help make music more sustainable? (For example: buy fewer physical items, stream over Wi-Fi instead of data, support artists with eco-friendly merch, or attend local shows to cut travel, etc.).
• Encourage students to share their action items!

Summary

The sustainability of the music industry is a complex issue that requires balancing innovation, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. This debate encourages students to examine different aspects of the industry and consider the impact of their choices as consumers, artists, and industry professionals.