Units of Study / ARTS ACHIEVE MUSIC UNIT: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Music Composition
WHAT MAKES A "GOOD" MELODY?
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unit plan
Week 1
- Given a 4-measure rhythm, students create a melody using the C pentatonic scale. They test and revise using iPad keyboard apps or keyboard and write out melody in staff notation. Selected pieces are played for class for peer feedback.
- Students identify and discuss common notation mistakes. Why is it important to notate correctly and neatly? Practice worksheet: copy short passages neatly. Students then recopy their own work from last week.
Week 2
- Students create a 4-bar melody using C major pentatonic. This time they create their own rhythm using pre-set “rhythm blocks”. Also, the melody is repeated to create an 8-bar final product. Self- and peer assessment.
- Students create an 8-bar melody with D minor pentatonic and different rhythm blocks.
Week 3
- Form lesson 1: basics of musical form. Identifying examples of ABA, AA’.
- Form lesson 2: aural identification of ABA, AA’ from recorded examples.
- Final task: longer melody using choice of: major pentatonic, minor pentatonic, full major. Choice of 12-bar ABA or 16 bar AA’. Students can create own rhythm or use preset rhythm blocks. Students can play their piece on their instrument for extra credit.
Week 4
- Self-reflection on student pieces: describe your compositional process; how did you create contrast between different sections, etc.
- Looking at class repertoire through the lens of a composer. Open-ended discussion: What is the mood/feel of this piece? How does the composer create this mood? What would happen if an element were changed?
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Unit Details
Middle
School
School
Arts Discipline: Music
Grade: 8
Borough: Manhattan
