Learn Russian through the Songs Syllabus
Each day’s lesson combines grammar instruction, listening practice, reading lyrics, vocabulary work, and engaging discussion. From Soviet classics to post-2010 pop, rock, and rap, students will dive into the sounds that shaped generations. You'll study real-life language as it appears in music - colloquialisms, idioms, and expressive grammar - all while gaining insight into the culture behind the lyrics. Daily prep and focused homework will help reinforce learning and boost confidence. By the end of the course, you’ll not only speak more fluently - you’ll feel the rhythm of modern Russian.
Week 1 - Songs from the Soviet Period
In the first week, we will listen to and analyze songs from the Soviet period. What did people in the USSR sing about and listen to? What topics were important to them? We’ll explore all of this in detail — from lexical, grammatical, and syntactic perspectives.
Week 2 - Songs of the 90s and 00s
In the second week, we will explore how the mentality of former Soviet citizens evolved as they entered a new world and a new country. We will learn what interested them, which songs they loved, how they lived in new realities, and how they adapted to them.
Week 3 - Songs of the 2010s
This week, we will explore how songs have changed in the new decade — what new themes have emerged and which topics have remained relevant. We’ll also examine how the language of music has evolved: what new words have entered the lyrics, and which expressions have become more common. By analyzing these songs, we’ll gain insight into the cultural and linguistic shifts of recent years. Special attention will be given to contemporary vocabulary, stylistic trends, and how they reflect current social realities. This will help us better understand not only the language of today’s music, but also the mindset of modern Russian-speaking audiences.