Finger Rock High School

Venturing into Musical Realms

Fall 2018 Syllabus
General Music Course, Grades 9-12
Recommended Student Cap: 36
Instructor: Mr. Merideth
Course Philosophy:

The purpose of this course is to equip students with the tools necessary to listen, evaluate, and
articulate their preference to any style or genre of music. Students will also learn new musical
instruments, cover and imitate pre-existing music, and compose and perform their own music in
a group setting. This course is structured to first introduce students to musical genres from
around the world and through time in history, then to learning a new a musical instrument, and
finally taking their knowledge gained from previous experiences to come up with their own
project and performing act. An ongoing listening journal will be utilized at the beginning of each
class throughout the whole semester.

Instructional Goals:

Create a healthy, safe, and creative work environment where students may activate their
full potential.
Present instruction in a manner in which all students have the opportunity to synthesize
and process the curriculum.
Encourage students to generate questions about the material and gain interest in areas of
music which were previously unknown.
Appropriately use technology in order to offer a better understanding to key concepts
Equip students with the tools necessary to pursue an area of the curriculum outside the
classroom.
Fairly assess and evaluate students for their effort and not their talent.

Course Objectives:

Learn the foundational concepts of music

Identify musical genres and elements
Play and perform on a new musical instrument
Collaborate with other students to accomplish musical projects
Create a resource bank of musical resources
Design and create a new musical instrument
Develop a deeper understanding of music and the role it plays in our lives
 Participate in a class-wide ensemble project
Generate new ideas for a performing act
Listen and articulate thoughts on any piece of music
Use technology as a positive and healthy resource for musical reference, creation, and
understanding.
Have fun!

Classroom Procedures and Expectations:

Students will have 3 minutes after the last bell rings to be where they need to be with the
materials they need to have for the first part of the class. Instructions for setup will always be
written on the board at the beginning of class. If students are not ready in the 3 minutes, they will
need to pack everything away and restart.

Instrument assignments will be done at the beginning of the year. Students will be given a
number that corresponds to the numbers that instruments will be labeled with.

The music classroom first and foremost reflects the foundation of the school. Each of the
foundations of the school will be represented in the music classroom.

F.I.N.G.E.R
R.O.C.K

FLOURISH-We grow together in a healthy way so that where our roots run deep, our hearts and
minds grow with abundance.
IMAGINATION-We think outside the box and strive to create that which brings beauty into the
world.
NURTURE- We help one another grow both in the classroom and in our community.
GENEROSITY-We offer ourselves to one another in the faces of time, energy, and resources.
ENGAGING-We plug ourselves into activity and one another so that we may practice being
aware.
RESPECT-We maintain open minds and hearts and treat others and our surroundings in the same
manner we wish to be treated.

RELIABILITY-We are present with ourselves, our supplies, and our required work.
ORGANIZATION-We practice the art of tracking the order of activities and location of
supplies/resources.
CREATIVITY-We put forward work that strives to bring new perspective to the community and
our planet.
KNOWLEDGE-We strive to acquire a healthy balance of knowledge on a daily basis and
promise to use our understanding to stay thirsty for more insight day-to-day.
Budget:

http://www.tomtop.com/54-keys-multifunctional-digital-electronic-music-keyboard-electric-
piano-organ-with-sheet-music-holder-microphone-i1408eu.html?
currency=USD&lang=en&aid=gpla&gclid=CJ2t39Sjt8wCFVBhfgodxU0MCw

54 key electronic keyboard x 9 (16.69 each) = $150.21

Misc. craft supplies from Michaels Craft Store for Unit 3=$49.79

Total- $200

School and Classroom Materials:

27 guitars
9 Electronic Keyboards
1 Acoustic Piano
Misc. Percussion and Hand Drums
1 Teachers Laptop with mini speaker
Speaker and Sound system with AUX cable
Minimum of 37 chairs
1 Smart Board with Projector
1 table for teacher
12 tables for students
37 Buckets (Supplied by Teacher)
37 Pairs of Drum Sticks (Supplied by Teacher)

Listening Journals

Students will keep an ongoing Listening Journal throughout the course of the semester. Students
will listen to a new song or piece of music at the beginning of every class and will journal during
the song and 3-5 minutes after the listening to finish their thoughts. Students may write about
whether or not they like the song, the style/form/genre of the music, what the music makes them
think about, the instruments used in the recording, or any other thoughts that directly relate to
what they are listening to.

Electronics Policy

There is a zero tolerance policy for electronics in the music classroom unless it has been
approved by the instructor to be used for a classroom activity or assignment. If the student is
found to be abusing their freedom of use of electronics, they will have that freedom revoked and
will need to find a new way to complete the same activity using the provided classroom
materials. Students will have devices taken away and can be picked up during the lunch if their
music class was in the morning or after school if the class took place in the afternoon.
Academic Integrity:

Students are expected to follow the same guidelines for academic integrity found in the Finger
Rock High School Student Handbook. Any student caught plagiarizing will be immediately sent
to the Dean of Students.

Grading:

20%-Homework and Assignments

20%-Participation
10%-Attendance and Responsibility of Materials
25%-Listening Journal
25%-Final Project

Units and Outlines:

Unit 1- Musical Genres and Elements (Weeks 1-5)

Week 1- Instrument Classifications

Monday: Idiophones, Chordophones, Membranophones, Aerophones, Electrophones

o SWBAT identify both visually and audibly the classifications of instruments
Wednesday: The instruments of the symphony orchestra and the modern rock band
o SWBAT develop a graphic organizer for the modern symphony and rock band
which clearly demonstrates an understanding of the instrument families
Friday: Instruments from around the world
o SWBAT identify both visually and audibly new instruments from foreign cultures

Week 2- Musical Terms

Monday: First 4 elements of music

o SWBAT define and identify Beat/Rhythm, Pitch, Tempo, and Dynamics
Wednesday: Second 4 elements of music
o SWBAT define and identify Timbre, Form, Style, and Texture
Friday: Learning how to define what we hear when we listen to music
o SWBAT to classify a series of recordings based on their musical elements

Week 3- Art Music (Classical, Jazz, etc.)

Monday: Early-Classical
o SWBAT understand and study composers and recordings from early Medieval
Music-Classical Music
 Wednesday: Romantic-Modern
o SWBAT understand and study composers and recordings from Romatic-Modern
Music
Friday: Jazz
o SWBAT understand and study composers and recordings from early Jazz-Modern
Jazz.

Week 4- Popular/Modern Music (Pop, Rock, Country, Rap, EDM)

Monday: Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Rap

o SWBAT identify key elements and aspects of Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Rap
Music
Wednesday: Country, Bluegrass, Folk
o SWBAT identify key elements and aspects of Country, Bluegrass, and Folk music
Friday: EDM
o SWBAT classify different sub genres of electronic dance music.

Week 5- World Music (South America, Caribbean, West Africa, Eastern Asia)

Monday: Eastern Asia

o SWBAT define and identify different instruments from Eastern Asia.
Wednesday: West Africa and Caribbean
o SWBAT define and identify different instruments from West Africa and the
Caribbean.
Friday: South America
o SWBAT define and identify different instruments from South America.

Unit 2- Acoustic Guitar and Piano (Weeks 6-9) *Note: Class

will be divided into 4 groups
Week 6- Groups 2,3,4 Guitar, Group 1 Piano

Monday: Technique, Care and Maintenance

o SWBAT properly care and handle the classroom guitars and piano. SWBAT
demonstrate proper technique on these instruments.
Wednesday: Chord Progressions/Theory
o SWBAT perform a I, IV, and V chord.
Friday: Song Covers
o SWBAT perform a song that utilizes 3 chords.

Week 7- Groups 1,3,4 Guitar, Group 2 Piano

 Monday: Chord Progressions/Theory
o SWBAT perform a ii, III, and vi Chord
Wednesday: Melody Creation
o SWBAT identify the melody in a song and compose their own melody using
outlined harmony.
Friday: Song Covers
o SWBAT perform a song that utilizes a minimum of 4 chords.

Week 8- Groups 1,2,4 Guitar, Group 3 Piano

Monday: Chord Progressions/Theory

o SWBAT perform and identify 7 chords
Wednesday: Songwriting
o SWBAT compose their own lyrics to a given form of music.
Friday: Songwriting
o SWBAT compose their own form and lyrics for their own personal song creation.

Week 9- Groups 1,2,3 Guitar, Group 4 Piano

Monday: Work on Performances (Chord Progressions/Theory for Group 4)

o SWBAT independently work on their instrumental performance.
Wednesday: Work on Performances
o SWBAT independently work on their instrumental performance.
Friday: Classroom Performances
o SWBAT demonstrate their knowledge gained in the unit in a performance of an
original or covered song.

Unit 3- Create, Dance, Play: The Bucket Drumming

Experience (Weeks 10-13)
Week 10- Bucket Drumming Introduction

Monday: Percussion basics, call and response, and creating Ostinatos

o SWBAT demonstrate their understanding to repetitive percussion rhythm
ostinatos, and display proper technique on the bucket drums.
Wednesday: Bucket Drumming Group Project
o SWBAT create their own bucket drumming ostinatos and work towards a
performance.
Friday: Perform Projects
o SWBAT demonstrate their knowledge gained from the bucket drumming lessons.

Week 11- Percussive Skits

 Monday: Blast!/Stomp/Blue Man Group Videos, group assignments
o SWBAT successfully define what a percussive skit is and brainstorm ideas for
their own personal skit creation.
Wednesday: Practice Skits
o SWBAT work independently to design and create a new percussive skit for their
performance.
Friday: Perform Skits
o SWBAT demonstrate their knowledge gained from the percussive skits lessons.

Week 12- Stomp Week 1

Monday: Bucket Drumming

o SWBAT develop a deeper understanding and expertise of rhythmic ostinatos and
call and response rhythms.
Wednesday: Bucket Drumming
o SWBAT develop a form for a song that utilizes rhythms that dont fall into the
ostinato category.
Friday: Dancing!
o SWBAT demonstrate a minimum of 3 body percussion or structured dance moves.

Week 13- Stomp Week 2

Monday: Bucket Drumming

o SWBAT demonstrate their expertise and mastery of bucket drumming by working
in their small groups for the final unit performance
Wednesday: Stomp Stations
o SWBAT create their own instrument, dance moves, and layered rhythms for the
stomp performance.
Friday: Performance
o SWBAT work together as a small team to perform their Stomp performance.

Unit 4-Technology and Music (Weeks 14-15)

Week 14- YouTube, Spotify, Itunes

Monday: YouTube Video Analysis

o SWBAT evaluate the musical elements of a YouTube video and articulate their
thoughts on performance quality, video quality, and sound quality.
Wednesday: Building a Music Library
o SWBAT organize and identify resources in which one may build a music library.
Friday: Technology as an instrument
o SWBAT explain how technology is being used in music creation in our society
today.
Week 15- Musical Resource Almanac

Monday: Navigating the web in order to find new musical resources

o SWBAT explain the different categories of musical resources and be able to
explain how to navigate the web in order to find these resources.
Wednesday: Library/Computer Lab Day
o SWBAT create a graphic organizer which they will use to build a classroom
resource almanac.
Friday: Build a classroom resource almanac
o SWBAT work together as a class to generate and create a hive-mind center of
resources for students to find information related to all aspects of music.

Unit 5-Finger Rocks Got Talent (Week 16-20)

Week 16- Full Classroom Cover

Monday: Choose instruments and vote on song

o SWBAT identify their preference of a song in which the whole classroom will
perform a cover.
Wednesday: Practice parts
o SWBAT independently work on their instrumental part for the classroom song
Friday: Perform cover
o SWBAT perform as a large classroom ensemble

Week 17- Group Assignments/Project Outlines

Monday: Brainstorming Ideas

o SWBAT generate ideas for a small group final project
Wednesday: Begin Generating Outline/Choosing Instruments
o SWBAT construct an outline for their project and delegate instrumental roles for
their group.
Friday: Final project outline submitted
o SWBAT map out the course of the next few weeks for accomplishing their goals.

Week 18- Project Approval/Begin Projects

Monday: Projects approved and instrument assignments announced, begin projects

o SWBAT begin learning their new song and work as team in a small group setting.
Wednesday: How-To Practice
o SWBAT demonstrate their knowledge of how to properly practice their instrument
as well as their parts in an ensemble
Friday: Practice
 o SWBAT independently run their own rehearsals and continue learning their songs.

Week 19- Continue Project/Rough Drafts Due

Monday: Practice
o SWBAT independently run their own rehearsals and continue learning their songs.

Wednesday: Practice
o SWBAT independently run their own rehearsals and continue learning their songs.
Friday: Perform for other Groups
o SWBAT try out their final project on another group.

Week 20- Final Project Due/Finger Rocks Got Talent

Monday: Performance Check-Off

o SWBAT demonstrate their final draft of the project to the instructor in order to be
passed off for performance.
Wednesday: Practice
o SWBAT make any last adjustments to their final project and do their final run
through.
Friday: Performances
o SWBAT demonstrate their mastery over the knowledge gained in this class and
perform with their peers as a final project.
 MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 1

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT identify both visually and audibly the classifications of instruments
National Standards:
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics X Tempo Rhythm Pitch X Texture Form Style
Color

X Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing X Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Projector and Smart Board
End Bell: 12:36
Guitar, Piano, Percussive Instruments, Keyboard

Introduction:
First class personal introduction
Name Games
Students are given a number which will correspond to the instruments they use in the
classroom for the semester.

Process:
Students will engage in a powerpoint presentation to learn key terms and definitions
related to instrument classifications
Students will work in small groups to clearly identify instrument families based of 20
different recordings.
Students will rotate around different stations in the room to try out different
instruments and classify the instruments into their instrument family.

Closure:
Students will help put instruments back in their proper locations of the classroom.

Assessment: Students will fill out a worksheet which matches definitions of

instrument families with the instruments themselves.
Language Objective: SWBAT to orally define the differences between the
instrument classifications.

Action Learning: Students will test out different instruments and attempt to
classify the instruments into the proper instrument family.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 2

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT define and identify Beat/Rhythm, Pitch, Tempo, and Dynamics
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch Texture Form Style
Color

X Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Percussive Instruments
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will review with their partners the different classifications of instruments.

Process:
Students will first engage in a powerpoint presentation related to Dynamics, Tempo,
Rhythm, and Pitch
Students will work in small groups to do a sound composition cards assignment.
 Students will need to compose a piece that demonstrates contrast in one of the four
key terms learned for the day.
Students will perform for the class and be offered evaluations from other students as
well as stating what the process and performance was like for themselves.

Closure:
Students will need to put all instruments away and prepare for out-the-door handout

Assessment: Students will have an out-the-door handout where they will

describe the 4 elements and reflect upon their groups performance.
Language Objective: Students will need to write down their own definition of
dynamics, tempo, rhythm, and pitch

Action Learning: Students will learn the knowledge of the elements, engage in
composition and performance, and evaluate their own performance as well as
their peers.
MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 3

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT understand and study composers and recordings from Romatic-
Modern Music
National Standards:
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Composer Hand Outs
Composition Hand Outs End Bell: 12:36
Speakers

Introduction:
Review the 8 elements of music
 Process:
Students will listen to recordings from different time periods and describe each using
the elements of music they learned about the previous week.
Students will discuss the differences in qualities of the music they hear in each of the
time periods
Working in groups students will work on a presentation of one of the composers or
compositions they are given in a handout.
Students will present their topics to the class so that other students may take notes on
each of the topics

Closure:
Students will need to synthesize the information acquired in the class to prepare for a
quiz.

Language Objective: Students will orally discuss a piece of music from

Romantic, 20th Century, and Contemporary/Modern using appropriate
vocabulary.
Assessment: A quiz will be given out that covers the basic information from
each of the handouts.

Action Learning: Students will work in groups to create their presentations

and share their knowledge with their peers.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 4

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT identify key elements and aspects of Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Rap
Music
National Standards:
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

X Dynamics X Tone X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
 Color

X Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Smart Board
End Bell: 12:36
Speakers

Introduction:
Students will discuss with their table groups what they know about Pop, Rock, Hip-
Hop, and Rap

Process:
Students will discuss their already known knowledge about the elements of the 4
genres of music.
Students will be given a list of the Billboard Top 100 current artists and asked to
classify them.
Working as a class, instructor will play a sample from each of the artists and the class
will work together to classify them.
Students will listen to 10 recordings not found on Top 100 and classify each recording
into a genre.

Closure:
Students will watch Pop Music 101 video, or 4 chords of awesome on YouTube.

Language Objective: Students will orally describe the difference between pop,
rock, hip-hop, and rap with their partners using descriptive words that
effectively describe each genre.
Assessment: Students will describe the differences between pop, rock, hip-hop,
and rap with their partners at the end of class. Instructor will wander around to
each group to get their definitions.

Action Learning: N/A

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 5

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT define and identify different instruments from West Africa and the
Caribbean.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch Texture Form Style
Color

X Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing X Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Steel Pan (Teachers)
End Bell: 12:36
Djembe (Teachers)
Smart Board/Projector
Speaker

Introduction:
Have students generate any knowledge or previous experiences with music from the
Caribbean or West Africa

Process:
Video: Pan! Our Music Odyssey. Students will fill out a worksheet as they watch the
movie.
Powerpoint on West African Music
Students will clap through so

Closure:
Students will get a chance to play on the Steel Pan and Djembe.

Language Objective: Students will write down information about the Pan!
Video.
Assessment: Students will turn in tier worksheets from the Pan! Our Music
Odyssey video.

Action Learning: Students will get to play on a Steel Pan and Djembe after
learning about the music.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:
Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 6

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT properly care and handle the classroom guitars and piano. SWBAT
demonstrate proper technique on these instruments.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch Texture Form Style
Color

Speaking Singing Moving Creating X Playing X Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitars
End Bell: 12:36
Keyboards
Piano

Introduction:
Students will find their instrument and groups based off of the class list posted near
the assignment board

Process:
Students will be divided into their groups and placed into 4 corners of the classroom.
Each guitar group has a student leader.
The instructor will get all groups going and then primarily work with the piano group
Instructor will demonstrate how to properly get out the instrument, set it up, and put
it away.
Instructor and Student Leaders will demonstrate proper technique.
Class will run through basic strumming and finger exercises

Closure:
Students will put away all instruments

Assessment: Students will demonstrate proper instrument ready position

Language Objective: SWBAT verbally describe the different parts of the
instrument using correct vocabulary and relate it to the technique they are
learning.

Action Learning: Students will get to think about playing their instrument,
play their instrument, and then reflect on the process, adjusting anything to
help make the process better.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 7

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT identify the melody in a song and compose their own melody using
outlined harmony.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch Texture Form X Style
Color

Speaking X Singing Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Piano and Guitars
End Bell: 12:36
Handouts with multiple chord progressions written on them

Introduction:
Students will review proper technique, care, and procedures in regards to guitar and
piano. Students will review all chords already known

Process:
Students will spend the first part of class reviewing their chords and warming up
Students will be given a hand out with multiple chord progressions
Instructor will demonstrate how to choose which notes to choose for a melody for a
chord progression
Students will work in pairs or trios where one student composes a melody and the
other student(s) accompany them. Students way come up with a melody vocally or
instrumentally

Closure:
 Groups will perform their melodies for the class.

Assessment: Group Performances

Language Objective: SWBAT properly explain how to come up with a melody
and offer suggestions to their peers using proper terminology in relation to the
instrument, techniques, and key concepts.

Action Learning: Students will brainstorm a melody, compose a melody,

receive feedback from the instructor and their peers, and then make necessary
changes.
MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 8

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT compose their own lyrics to a given form of music.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking X Singing Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitars/Piano
End Bell: 12:36
Handout with blank form and chord progressions.

Introduction:
Warm up on instruments, review chords, and melody

Process:
Students will be given a form and chord progression for them to play on their
instruments.
 Students will study examples of pop music and how the lyrics are formatted
Instructor will demonstrate how to write lyrics and melody for a verse.
Students will compose their own melody and lyrics over the chord progressions.
Students may work alone or in pairs to accompany themselves or one another

Closure:
Students will perform their songs for the class.

Assessment: Student Performance

Language Objective: SWBAT perform a song with lyrics they have written that
make sense in terms of context and vocabulary

Action Learning: Students will observe the instructor perform/compose, then

compose their own lyrics, receive feedback from the instructor, and then give a
final performance.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 9

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT independently work on their instrumental performance.

National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

Speaking X Singing Moving X Creating X Playing Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitars and Pianos
 End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will warm up with another student they have not yet worked with in the
class.

Process:
Students will get in their small groups or find a place where they can work by
themselves depending on what they chose for this assignment.

Closure:
Students will pack away their instruments

Assessment: Self-Reflection of how their project has gone this far, defining
what they are doing, why they chose that assignment, and how they feel their
progress has been coming. The students will also need to explain how the
project connects to their lives outside of the classroom.
Language Objectives: SWBAT complete a self-reflection on their project and
how it connects to their lives outside of the classroom.

Action Learning: N/A

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 10

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT demonstrate their understanding to repetitive percussion rhythm

ostinatos, and display proper technique on the bucket drums.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking Singing X Moving Creating X Playing X Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00
Bucket Drums and Sticks
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will help set up their bucket drums in a large arc in the middle of the
classroom. Multiple rows may be needed.
Instructor will display proper technique and talk about care/maintenance for the
drums.

Process:
The instructor will perform a series of ostinatos and body movements involving the
bucket drums
Students will do call and response rhythms with the instructor.
Vocal Syllables will be used to teach rhythmic ostinatos.
Multiple dance moves with choreographed sequences involving the bucket drums will
be used.

Closure:
Students will help reorganize the class and put all sticks and drums back in their
proper spaces

Assessment: Instructor will assess students throughout the class in various

bucket drumming exercises.
Language Objective: SWBAT to successfully vocalize the syllables, words, and
phrases used to correspond to the rhythms

Action Learning: Students will observe the instructor, perform on drums,

vocalize rhythms, and synthesize the whole process multiple times over
throughout the class.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 11

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT successfully define what a percussive skit is and brainstorm ideas for
their own personal skit creation.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics Tempo X Rhythm Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

Speaking Singing Moving X Creating Playing Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

[text]
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will brainstorm what they think percussive skits are.

Process:
Videos: Blue Man Group, Stomp, Blast!, Row-Loff, and other Percussive Skits
Students will get into small groups and brainstorm what sort of skit they want to
perform.
Students will start working on skits in their small groups.

Closure:
N/A

Assessment: Students will turn in an outline of their groups skit with group
responsibilities and materials they will each be bringing.
Language Objectives: SWBAT define their objectives in an outline and discuss
the materials they will need in order to perform their skits.

Action Learning: Students will watch a video on percussive skits, brainstorm

ideas with a group, and begin to carry out the creation of their own skit.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 12

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT develop a deeper understanding and expertise of rhythmic ostinatos
and call and response rhythms. National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
State Standards:
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking Singing X Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Bucket Drums and Sticks
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will review what they know about ostinatos and call and response

Process:
Students will leran a 7 part rondo form with different structures in the AB and C
sections
Students will learn different call and response patterns and help students around them
learn each section
Different students will be in charge or calling out the next sections and play the call
and response rhythm that leads into the next section

Closure:
Students will perform the 7 part rhythm rondo without the help of the instructor

Assessment: Student Performance

Language Objectives: SWBAT to instruct their peers on how to successfully
perform different sections of the Rondo.

Action Learning: Students will observe the instructor and carry out/practice
the parts for the song. Students will help one another learn the parts and
double check with their peers and instructor

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:
Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 13

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT create their own instrument, dance moves, and layered rhythms for
the stomp performance.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X Tempo X Rhythm Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking Singing X Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Bucket Drums and Sticks
End Bell: 12:36
Craft Materials for Instrument Construction

Introduction:
Class will help setup the 3 stations for the Stomp Activity

Process:
Station 1- Dance. Students will come up with 3 different body percussion or dance
patterns.
Station 2- Create. Students will use the materials they brought and the materials
provided to create a new instrument. With the new instrument, 3 ostinato patterns will
be created.
Station 3- Play. Students will work with a partner to come up with 3 ostinato patterns
using bucket drumming.
Students will rotate through each station

Closure:
All 3 groups will perform through each station

Assessment: Final Performance.

Language Objective: SWBAT orally explain their dance moves and instruments
to class before their performance.

Action Learning: Students will generate ideas at each station, test those ideas,
and then perform them.
 MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 14

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT evaluate the musical elements of YouTube videos and articulate their
thoughts on performance quality, video quality, and sound quality.
National Standards:
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing Listening Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Video/Speakers
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Ask students to discuss how much music they find or listen to on YouTube or other
similar video sites.

Process:
Several videos will be played on YouTube.
Students will need to describe the musical elements of the video. Students will also
need to analyze the performance quality, video quality, sound quality, and other
aesthetic aspects of the video.

Closure:
Students will brainstorm ideas for their own YouTube video creation and what sort of
features/attributes they would want the video to in order to come across as high
quality.
Assessment: Students will turn in their video analysis sheets
Language Objectives: SWBAT analyze a YouTube video and discuss the
musical elements as well as qualities in regards to production.

Action Learning: N/A

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 15

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT create a graphic organizer which they will use to build a classroom
resource almanac. (Library Day)
National Standards:
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics Tempo Rhythm Pitch Texture Form Style
Color

Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Library and Computer Lab
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will walk over to the Library/Computer Lab with the instructor

Process:
Students will create an organizer that lists resources for where they can find things
related to any aspect or discipline of music. Some example categories where they can
list resources are: Personal Song Use, Music Theory, Composition, History, Concerts,
 Performances
Students should structure this time to research things that interest them the most.

Closure:
Students will log off all of the computers and return any books taken off the shelves at
the library.

Assessment: Students will turn in their graphic organizers at the end of class.
Language Objectives: Students will create a resource bank and write down all
of their findings. SWBAT correctly identify and classify the resources they look
up.

Action Learning: Students are learning using the resources around them.
When they have a question they search out and find a solution.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 16

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT independently work on their instrumental part for the classroom song
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S1C5: Reading and notating music

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

Speaking X Singing Moving Creating X Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitar/Piano Keyboards
End Bell: 12:36
 Sheet Music/Music Sheets

Introduction:
Students will need to get their instruments out.

Process:
Students may work alone or in small groups to practice their parts for the song the
class decided to do as a group cover.
Students need to work on singing the lyrics to the cover song and playing their parts
Students will fill out a blank chord/form sheet by themselves at the end of class.

Closure:
Students will need to pack all instruments away.

Assessment: Students will need to fill in a blank chord sheet that outlines the
song the class is covering
Language Objective: Students need to verbally explain to their classmates
how the form of the cover song works and which sections are the verse, chorus,
intro, outro, etc.

Action Learning: Students will practice their parts and use the chord posters
around the classroom to help them figure out their parts for the song.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 17

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT construct an outline for their project and delegate instrumental roles
for their group.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color
X Speaking X Singing Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitar/Piano Keyboards
End Bell: 12:36

Introduction:
Students will need to get into their small groups for the final project and have all
instruments out.

Process:
Students will first discuss whether or not they want to do an original song or a cover
song and if there will be any sort of skit or act (think percussive skits) that goes along
with it.
Students will delegate the instruments and roles for the assignment.
Students create an outline that details what they are doing for their project

Closure:
Students need to return everything in the classroom to where it belongs

Assessment: Outline
Language Objectives: SWBAT

Action Learning: N/A

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 18

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT demonstrate their knowledge of how to properly practice their
instrument as well as their parts in an ensemble
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
Dynamics Tempo Rhythm Pitch Texture Form Style
Color

Speaking Singing Moving Creating Playing Listening Reading Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitars/Piano
End Bell: 12:36
Project/Smart Board

Introduction:
Students set up their instruments and then take a seat at their desks

Process:
Students watch the video How to Properly Practice any Musical Instrument on
YouTube.
Students work in their small group to generate an agreement on how their practice
sessions will go from here until the final
The classroom discusses their ideas on how to properly practice.
The remaining time is to be used to practice the final project and to practice the
practice techniques that were just learned.

Closure:
Students need to put away all instruments

Assessment: Students will turn in their agreement which states how they
agree to practice their parts for the end of the semester.
Language Objective: SWBAT articulate what proper practice techniques look
like.

Action Learning: Students will learn about proper practice techniques and
then given the opportunity to
MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:

Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 19

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT independently run their own rehearsals and continue learning their
songs.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S1C5: Reading and notating music
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
X Dynamics X X Tempo X Rhythm X Pitch X Texture X Form X Style
Color

X Speaking X Singing X Moving X Creating X Playing X Listening X Reading X Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitar/Pianos
End Bell: 12:36

Time: Introduction:
Students need to setup and get into their final project groups.

Process:
Students have the whole class to work on their final project.

Closure:
Students need to pack up all of their materials

Assessment: Teacher wanders around to make sure students are on task and
working on their project

Action Learning: Students are in a cyclical process of working on things,

testing out ideas, and refining their performance. All learning is happening by
the students in their groups.

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Author(s): Alex Merideth

Subject: Class/Period: Date:
Venturing into Musical Realms General Music Week 20

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT demonstrate their mastery over the knowledge gained in this class
and perform with their peers as a final project.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
State Standards:
S1C1: Singing and with others music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C2: Playing instruments alone and with others, music from different genres and diverse cultures.
S1C3: Improvising rhythms, melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
S1C4: Composing and arranging music.
S1C5: Reading and notating music
S2C1: Understanding the relationships among music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
S2C2: Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
S2C3: Understanding music in relation to self and universal themes.
S3C1: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
S3C2: Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

Tone
x Dynamics x x Tempo x Rhythm x Pitch x Texture x Form x Style
Color

x Speaking x Singing x Moving x Creating x Playing x Listening x Reading x Writing

Resources: Start Bell: 11:00

Guitars/Piano/Keyboard
End Bell: 11:53
Anything students have asked for to use in their skits/performance

Introduction:
Students will receive 5 minutes for setup and warm-up.

Process:
Students will fill out an analysis sheet for each of the other groups that perform
Students will perform when it is their groups turn.

Closure:
Students need to help put everything away.

Assessment: Performance and Analysis of other groups

Language Objectives: SWBAT introduce their group and briefly discuss their
project.

Action Learning: N/A