Partner A
Easier: Do you like going to concerts? Why or why not?
Which song takes you straight back to your teens?
More challenging: How does the music we listen to during our youth shape our identity in later life?
Jamesleads the live roundsSimmonds · live on simmonds.onlineB15 min · English
Music in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions
Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 17 Oct 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)
Live rounds with a trainer and a small group. To warm up: Theo asks, you answer.
Allow the microphone – Theo asks the first question.
AI conversation partner, synthetic voice · your voice is processed live by Google Gemini, we store no audio and no transcript · max. 5 minAbout the AIWith headphones you can interrupt Theo. Without them, the microphone only listens once Theo has finished.
MusicB1 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about music (level B1)HobbiesA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about hobbies (level A2)Films and seriesB1 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about films and series (level B1)Sorry, could you say that again?Give me a second to think.How do you say … in English?
Question of the day
According to the podcast, what can a catchy tune on the radio do?
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day
Correct answer: Bring back old memories instantly
You can find the answer in the English introduction.
Listen to the introduction
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Theo, and this is a two-minute conversation starter. Today: music. We all have a soundtrack to our lives – Jump to the vocabulary entry for soundtrack to our lives. Some people need background noise – Jump to the vocabulary entry for background noise while they work, while others only listen to music – Jump to the vocabulary entry for listen to music when they want to relax. And then there is the magic of a live gig – Jump to the vocabulary entry for live gig. Seeing your favourite band on stage is an unforgettable experience. But music is also a time machine. Hearing just one catchy tune – Jump to the vocabulary entry for catchy tune on the radio can bring back old memories instantly. You remember exactly where you were, and you might even sing along – Jump to the vocabulary entry for sing along to the lyrics. So, think about your own favourite tracks. What kind of music do you enjoy the most?
Vocabulary
- soundtrack to our lives/ˈsaʊnd.træk tu aʊə ˈlaɪvz/
- Meaning: The music that connects to important moments in our personal history.
- Example: The songs from that summer became the soundtrack to our lives.
- background noise/ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd nɔɪz/
- Meaning: Sounds you can hear while you are doing something else.
- Example: I cannot study in silence, so I always put on some background noise.
- listen to music/ˈlɪs.ən tu ˈmjuː.zɪk/
- Meaning: To pay attention to songs or tunes.
- Example: We usually listen to music while cooking dinner.
- live gig/ˌlaɪv ˈɡɪɡ/
- Meaning: A concert where musicians play in front of an audience.
- Example: They are playing a live gig at the local pub tonight.
- catchy tune/ˌkætʃ.i ˈtjuːn/
- Meaning: A song that is easy to remember and stays in your head.
- Example: That new pop song is such a catchy tune.
- sing along/ˌsɪŋ əˈlɒŋ/
- Meaning: To sing a piece of music while someone else is singing or playing it.
- Example: The crowd started to sing along when the band played their biggest hit.
Dialogue
- AnnaAre you going to the festival this weekend?
- MarkYes, I can't wait! I love the energy of a live gig.
- AnnaMe too. Who are you most excited to see?
- MarkI'm most excited about the opening band. They play that song you sent me last week. It's such a catchy tune.
- AnnaOh, I know that one! I always sing along when I hear it in the car.
- MarkSame here. Do you usually listen to music while you drive?
- AnnaAlways. I hate driving in silence, so I need some background noise.
- MarkI agree. It makes the journey much more fun.
Questions for your conversation
Partner B
Easier: Do you play a musical instrument? Why or why not?
What kind of music helps you to relax after a long day?
More challenging: If you had to score a film about your own life, which genres would you choose for the different chapters?
Partner A
Easier: Do you listen to the radio in the car? Why or why not?
How do you usually discover new artists or bands?
More challenging: In what ways might streaming platforms change the financial reality for independent musicians?
Useful phrases
- I usually listen to music on my phone.
- That song has been stuck in my head all day.
- I can't stand heavy metal.
- It brings back so many good memories.
- The tickets for the concert sold out in minutes.
- Let's put on a playlist for the journey.
Topic quiz
Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.
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Who is Theo?
Theo is an AI conversation partner for warming up, not a teacher. The voice is synthetic. In the live rounds, a trainer talks with you.
Is my conversation stored?
We store neither audio nor a transcript. During the conversation, your voice is sent to Google (Gemini) for processing. The conversation ends after no more than five minutes.
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