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An EARWORM Activity: Brief Version of Harry Potter Theme Song

Updated: Aug 3, 2022


Activity Design

Sally Gelardin, EdD


Purpose/Learning Objectives

  • Define “Earworm”

  • Listen to variations of John William’s Harry Potter theme song ("Hedwig’s Theme")

  • Choose the interpretation of the Happy Potter theme song that you like (or like best) and explain why

Target Population

Individuals of a variety of abilities, ages, stages, backgrounds, and preferences. This is an intergenerational activity.

Brief Description of Activity

Like telling a story, there are different ways to play or sing a musical piece. We can sharpen our listening and other brain skills by listening to different interpretations of a musical piece, choosing the interpretation that we like, and explaining what we like about a particular interpretation of the musical piece that we chose.

Technology Options

Streaming Music App, such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Qobuz. YouTube or Spotify, at no cost, are the easiest to use.

Supply/Materials Options

Devices, such as tv monitor, computer, iPAD, iPhone, and other handheld devices, to play different renditions of a musical piece.


Precautions and Adaptions

Some individuals may not be able to define “Earworm” (musical piece that plays over and over again in your mind) or choose the interpretation that they like with words, but may be able to choose the interpretation that they like using their other senses, such as by dancing to the music, clapping their hands, stamping their feet, singing, and expressing their appreciation through facial and other body gestures


Environment and Set-Up

A quiet environment without distractions is best so that the listener/s can concentrate on listening to a musical piece played or sung in different ways. This activity can be used with groups of varying sizes and with individuals one-on-one or by themselves, depending on their ability.


Sample Variations



This activity is voluntarily donated by Marin Activity Professionals to MAP for web posting as a free public resource. Thanks to Betsy Best-Martini, Mary Anne Weeks, and Priscilla Wirth for including the outline, as a basis for this activity, in their Long Term Care for Activity Professionals, Social Services Professionals, and Recreational Therapists, Seventh Edition.




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