Young scholars use appropriate terms to reflect a working knowledge of the musical elements and use terminology from music and dance to analyze and compare structures of musical and other artistic works. They also identify the purpose of...

High schoolers examine blues music. In this music genres lesson, students discover details about the history of the musical genre and compositional techniques. High schoolers then compose melodies of their own with 12-bar blues chord...

Students work cooperatively to create a jazz composition using the computer program GarageBand and incorporating the musical stylings of musician Louis Armstrong. Internet access is required for this lesson.

Students discover a variety of Duke Ellington compositions and the elements that make his sound unique. In this jazz lesson plan, students participate in a Duke Ellington Matching Game and an activity based on his music.

Students are introduced to the genre of the musical film. They become aware of the music and dance trends of the 1920s. They identify musical motive as a basis for unity in composition.

Learners use the correct music terminology to evaluate a performance, composition, and arrangement of the song "Blinded by the Light" by Bruce Springsteen and compare it to another version recorded by Manfred Man.

Students demonstrate the structure of a canon by composing melodies and variations over Pachelbel's Theme from the Canon in D. Requires a networked keyboard lab and computers.

Learners investigate music around the world and work with a photographer to understand elements of photography. In this photography lesson, students visit a dance hall and interview the dancers. Learners gather ideas and create a...

Young scholars research the lyrical and dramatic structure of opera through Internet sources and audio examples, cooperatively discuss elements of opera stories vs. their own lives and create one-act opera based on their own life...

Eighth graders study and analyze the elements of color by creating an personalized color wheel. Emphasis is placed on constructive criticism of student work by others for assessment. Students create short poems for their color wheel...

Seventh graders create mixed media representations of landscape designs in Africa and Asia. The lesson is great for cross-curricular projects with the Social Sciences and/or Literature, or can be used as a self-contained project. ...

Students practice using keyboard and sequencing software to expand their compositions. They use the notes in the C Major Scale and playback their song written in an ABA song form. They complete pages in a basic piano workbook and...

Pupils complete their own retrograde composition. They finish playing a set of notes started by their teacher. They use computer software to complete their song.

Students practice playing notes on the G and C scales in different rhythms. They complete worksheets and discuss the answers. They finish a short notation project as well.

Fifth graders explore the chorale hymn by echoing a Lutheran chorale tune line by line. They examine the reasons for the importance of Gutenberg's movable type and the role of Martin Luther in the Reformation.

Young scholars creatively express themselves by creating simple pieces of music.

Students explore how various artists use color, line and composition to create a mood. In comparison, students explore various elements of specific art forms that affect the viewer's emotions in dance, theater music and the visual...

Seventh graders, while in the computer lab utilizing a Sibelius software, create an eight-measure piece in the key of a minor using the notes A, B, C, D and E. They incorporate quarter notes, eighth notes and half notes. Each student...

Students examine why music is considered to be the "universal language" and study the expressive quality of a musical performance. They compose a melody using a computer and software which they perform on an instrument.

Students use their musical talent to create a song for the class fishtank. In a group, they compose two or three songs about their own tropical fish in which they can use any rhythm and musical instruments they choose. They perform...

Students compose pandiatonic works using computers as a compositional tool. Following the anticipatory set, they work individually to create their own pieces. The lesson concludes with a "concert" of the created student compositions.

High schoolers examine how the creation and performance of music is affected by contextual influences. They specifically examine anthems and discuss the elements that contribute to that musical genre and how the nature of a piece of...

Students explore advertising as a way to change their world. They use the Internet to research an energy, an environmental, and a cultural issue and create three 'world changing' pieces of advertising/artwork to express their ideas.

Fractions can be tricky. Why not have kids think of fractions like they think of eighth, quarter, and half notes? In teams, the class creates four-measure patterns with their percussion instruments. They need to explain their rhythm...