Lesson Summary: Length of lesson Description of lesson How this fits into larger plan/unit 20 th Century Chance Music Composition 2 days After studying various 20 th Century composition styles and composers, students will create a 16-measure composition using a chance music composition technique. Students will be in small groups of 3-4 students to create this composition. This activity is a small portion of the 10-week curriculum for this class. After this unit (20 th Century Music & American Composers) is complete we will move on to units on music theory and Broadway musicals to finish the quarter.
Student Learning Objectives (Posted)
Students will review (as a class) note values, staff basics, note writing basics and time signatures. Students will work in small groups to create a 16 measure chance music composition using guidelines provided by the teacher. Students will use dice to determine pitches for their composition then write their composition on staff paper. Student compositions will be performed for the class.
Alignment to Standards Content Area Standards: NYS Arts Standard #1 Creating, performing, and participating in the Arts NYS Arts Standard #2 - Knowing and using Arts materials & resources NYS Arts Standard #3 - Responding To and Analyzing Works of Art Common Core Standards: ELA Shift 1
Text/ Materials Being Used
Composition guidelines (teacher developed worksheet), staff paper, rhythm cards, dice. Lesson Outline including questions to students
On the first day the teacher describes the composition assignment and expectations using the composition guideline sheet. Teacher will lead the class in reviewing music theory basics needed for the composition (note values, note pitches, staff basics, time signature, note writing basics). Students will be assigned to small groups of 3-4 students to create their composition, using chance techniques. After introduction of the assignment and review are completed, students will have the remaining class time to write their composition. If students need more time for composing, they will be given some time during the 2 nd class, then compositions will be performed for the class.
Differentiated and/or specially designed instruction Students will participate in class discussion (review) and work in small groups. The small groups will be assigned by the teacher and will have students of mixed abilities. Throughout the 20 th Century unit a variety of teaching techniques will be used. Various levels of support will be provided by the teacher providing reference materials to help student with their composition and by the teacher working with individuals and small groups as needed.
Checking for Understanding through-out and end of lesson
Students will be able to contribute to the discussions about music theory basics and will be able to contribute to the groups composition. At the end of the unit students will take a written exam. Reflection Additional thoughts/notes