Project description: Students synthesize and apply all of their musical knowledge in order to

create a unique variation on a short pentatonic melody using music production software. The
melody varies depending on the course (the example instructions below were written for a
band class, so the main theme is Hot Cross Buns). The teacher then compiles all variations into
a giant class Theme and Variations composition. The composers of each variation remain
anonymous to the class, but after listening to all variations, students choose their favorite
variation number to write about. The student whose composition is most often written about is
revealed and awarded a prize.

State Standards:
• Acc.MU:T.Cr1 Generate melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic ideas for compositions and
improvisations using digital tools and digital resources.
• Acc.MU:C.Cr3.1 Identify, describe, and apply selected teacher-provided or personally-
developed criteria to assess and refine the technical and expressive aspects of evolving
drafts leading to final versions.

Instructions for students:

• Create a free student account at soundtrap.com using the code ______________.

• Watch the introductory video.
• Compose a 30 second variation on Hot Cross Buns. Do not use any templates.
• Fill out the rubric below and answer the question on the back of the page.
• Make changes to your composition as necessary.
• Download your work as an mp3 file and email it to Ms. Matthews. Include your name
somewhere in the email.
• Turn in this page.

RUBRIC
PROFICIENT COMPOSITION (100%) REDO COMPOSITION (0% until redone)

 Includes at least three different tracks
 Is a variation on Hot Cross Buns
 Instrument sounds are possible for the
range of each instrument.
 Is about 30 seconds long
 Includes less than three tracks
 Is not a variation on Hot Cross Buns
 Instrument sounds are not possible for
the range of each instrument.
 Is shorter than 20 seconds or longer
than 40 seconds

Evaluate your creation: Use at least two vocabulary terms from the lesson to describe why your
variation is a high quality composition.

My variation is a high quality composition because… (use back of page to answer)