Music may seem like an easy topic, but it can be surprisingly challenging for many IELTS candidates. Though it is a familiar theme, the related vocabulary is often quite specific and rarely used in everyday conversations. That is why mastering key vocabulary and using accurate grammar is essential to score high in the IELTS Speaking test.
In this article, IDP will help you strengthen your vocabulary on the topic of Music and provide model answers to help you become familiar with the test structure and gain ideas to impress the examiner.
1. Sample Answers – Music Topic IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: What kinds of music do you like to listen to
I have a diverse taste in music. I enjoy classical, jazz, and pop. For me, music is not just about the melody or lyrics; it is about the emotional connection it creates. That is why I gravitate toward songs with strong and meaningful messages, such as protest songs or emotional ballads about love and loss.
Vocabulary highlights:
diverse taste in music: varied music preferences
melody: tune or music line
lyrics: song words
gravitate towards: be drawn to
ballads: emotional or romantic songs
Question: If you could learn a musical instrument, what would it be
If I had the chance, I would love to learn the piano. I think it is a versatile and beautiful instrument that can express a wide range of emotions. Learning to play it would also help me develop both creativity and self-expression through technical skill and artistic interpretation.
Vocabulary highlights:
versatile: flexible and useful in many ways
a range of emotions: variety of feelings
technical proficiency: technical skill
artistic interpretation: creative expression
Question: Has the music you listen to changed since you were young
Yes, definitely. As I grew up, my music preferences changed. I began to explore different genres and styles. When I was younger, I used to listen to angst-filled rock music that expressed rebellion and frustration. Now I prefer more uplifting songs that focus on joy and positivity in life.
Vocabulary highlights:
music preferences: music choices
angst-ridden: full of emotion or frustration
rebellion: resistance or protest
disillusionment: loss of belief
uplifting: inspiring and positive
2. Sample Answers – Music Topic IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: Describe a song that you like
There are many songs I play on repeat, but if I had to pick one, it would be Born This Way by Lady Gaga. It is a pop song from her second album of the same name. It quickly hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive feedback from both the public and critics.
Though it is pure pop, Gaga being the composer makes it more special. She once mentioned in an interview that she wrote the song in just two minutes. I first heard it 11 years ago while watching the Grammy Awards after school. From the first 15 seconds, I was completely hooked.
What makes this song special to me is the catchy rhythm, upbeat melody, and empowering lyrics. Her performance was stunning with creative choreography, amazing lighting, and gorgeous outfits. Despite dancing non-stop, she still delivered perfect vocals. The lyrics really touched my heart by encouraging self-love and equality regardless of gender, age, or race.
To me, this song is timeless and a key part of contemporary pop culture.
Vocabulary highlights:
put on repeat: listen repeatedly
positive feedback: favorable response
hooked: fascinated
catchy: easy to remember
choreography: dance routine
light effects: lighting design
touched my heart: deeply moved me
treated fairly: receive equal respect
contemporary pop culture: modern popular culture
Cue Card: Describe an interesting song
As a music aficionado, I enjoy many genres, but one of my all-time favorite songs is Haru Haru by Big Bang.
I first heard this song in high school when it was released in 2008. It helped solidify Big Bang as K-pop leaders and introduced them to global fame. The title Haru Haru translates to Day by Day in English.
The song mixes hip-hop influences with nostalgic piano ballads. Its emotional power lies in the dramatic raps and intense lyrics. It became one of South Korea’s biggest hits that year and an anthem for fans.
What draws me to the song is the emotional message in the lyrics, which speak of heartbreak and longing. These themes are universal, and anyone can relate to them regardless of culture or language. I often wonder if the lyrics reflect the personal story of G-Dragon, the group's leader.
To me, Haru Haru shows that K-pop is more than just catchy music – it can be meaningful and deeply artistic.
Vocabulary highlights:
music aficionado: music lover
music genre: style of music
all-time favorite: forever favorite
solidify the quintet: strengthen the group’s image
launch the route to: start the path to
worldwide superstardom: global fame
nostalgic: emotional about the past
evocative nature: emotionally moving
anthem for lovers: song that speaks to fans
partial to something: have a strong liking
agony and heartbreak: sadness and emotional pain
keep someone hooked: keep someone engaged
3. Sample Answers – Music Topic IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: What kind of music is popular in your country now and in the future In Vietnam, pop music is currently the most prevalent. It is easy to listen to and has catchy melodies that appeal to a wide audience. Recently, Vietnamese rap has become hugely popular, especially thanks to the show Rap Viet, which brought rap music and artists to national television and helped challenge stereotypes.
Vocabulary highlights:
prevalent: widely popular
take the country by storm: become very popular
national television: public broadcasting
challenge prejudices: overcome bias
Question: What do old people like to listen to
Older people usually enjoy folk songs with meaningful lyrics. They appreciate songs that tell stories or reflect their homeland’s culture and values. Songs about rivers, villages, or traditional food often bring back fond memories. They also enjoy patriotic songs that express national pride.
Vocabulary highlights:
folk songs: traditional music
meaningful lyrics: expressive lyrics
not their cup of tea: not their preference
patriotic songs: songs about national pride
Question: What influences a young person’s music taste
Young people are mostly influenced by their environment. If they grow up in a traditional family, they might prefer folk music. They are also influenced by their friends and social trends. Sometimes, they start listening to certain songs just to fit in. In other cases, they like music that matches their personal feelings or life experiences.
Vocabulary highlights:
source of inspiration: motivation
traditional family: culturally rooted family
are subjected to: are affected by
trendy songs: popular new songs
genre of music: type of music
4. IELTS Vocabulary – Music Topic
Music Genres
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Acoustic | Music with traditional instruments |
Jazz | Jazz music |
Orchestra | Symphony ensemble |
Symphony | Long classical composition |
Classical | Traditional Western music |
Opera | Dramatic vocal performance |
Dance | Music for dancing |
Electronic | Digital music |
Lo-fi | Music with low fidelity effects |
Epic music | Instrumental movie-style music |
Hymn | Religious song |
Heavy metal | Intense rock music |
R&B | Rhythm and blues |
Theme song | Song associated with a program |
National anthem | National song |
Describing Music
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Clef | Music notation symbol |
Chord | Combination of notes |
Dynamics | Volume in music |
Meter | Beat or rhythm |
Prelude | Introductory music |
Modulation | Key change |
Key signature | Set of sharps or flats |
Ornamentation | Musical decorations |
Inspirational | Motivating |
Adagio | Slow tempo |
Tuneful | Pleasant sounding |
Catchy tune | Memorable melody |
5. Useful Expressions and Idioms – Music Topic
Phrases
sweep the world: become globally popular
sing along to something: sing together with
be tone deaf: unable to hear pitch differences
take up a musical instrument: start learning an instrument
to be released: be published
all-time favorite song: favorite song of all time
keep oneself updated with: stay current with
be or sing out of tune: sing off-key
touch someone’s heart: deeply move someone
uplift my energy: boost my mood
Idioms
for a song: very cheaply
dance to someone’s tune: follow someone’s lead
jam session: informal music performance
Master the Music Topic in IELTS Speaking with IDP
The above guide has provided you with topic-specific vocabulary and sample answers for Music in the IELTS Speaking test. Along with learning vocabulary, try practicing English through songs or watching movies with English subtitles. You can also explore more vocabulary on other topics directly from IDP's website.
To help you succeed, IDP offers comprehensive IELTS resources including live webinars, expert-led tips, and personalized preparation programs.
When you are ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP and access exclusive study materials, video tutorials, and official mock tests developed by IELTS experts from Macquarie University.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today