Abstract

This research was performed with the purpose of examining the differences of acclaim, their causes, and acclaim status of original recordings of popular songs and their cover versions rearranged in different styles. The research was conducted using the qualitative research method. The participants were asked to listen to three songs with two different cover versions of each. The researcher then asked them to complete a survey form. The research subjects were the second semester junior and senior preservice music teachers of the 2014-2015 academic year (n:49). Data from the first question and cover choices (oriented towards their musical tastes) are presented as a frequency distribution table in line with the data obtained, and the acclaim criteria and opinions on the acclaim criteria and underlying reasons for the selected pieces were analyzed using the content analysis method. According to the general conclusion of the research, when the acclaim of subjects was examined for all three pieces, it was observed that cover interpretations were preferred. Moreover, there are similarities between the criteria subjects have considered in liking a piece and their views on the pieces they like.

Key words: Popular music, cover songs, pre-service teachers.