Construction of scales and identification of keys

Students will construct major scales using accidentals
Students will assign the appropriate key signature to a melody that only uses accidentals
Students will compose a melody in A major using accidentals

The Major/Minor Effect

Students will construct the C Major scale, A natural minor scale, and A melodic minor scale along with a 4 measure simple composition in either A natural minor or A melodic minor. Finally, students will use the recording themselves playing the scales and composition on their respective instrument. This lesson can be altered for different keys.

My Original Composition

Objective 1: Students will be able to create an original composition in ABA form following the requirements of the form as explained in the project.
Objective 2: Students will learn to play their original song on either guitar or keyboard and have the opportunity to make any changes to their composition they feel necessary.
Objective 3 : Once students are ready, they will perform their original composition for the teacher and be scored on it based on the performance rubric we use on a regular basis.

Introduction to Composition

To get the students to use basic information from scales to create chords and then a short composition utilizing the tonic and dominant chords derived from the scale.

THE BEAT GOES ON

Objective(s): as a result of this lesson students will know and/or be able to…
1. Identify and describe changes in elements and expressive qualities
2. Classify musical sound sources into groups
3. Read and interpret the traditional music notation of note values letter names
4. Describe the processes involved in composing, conducting and performing

D Major Scale Worksheet and Playing Test

Students will be able to name the notes from and create an 8 measure composition using the D Major scale.

Composition Activity

Students will demonstrate knowledge on the differences between steps and skips, they will generate music composition ideas within given parameters, and lastly students will combine music composition ideas into a short melody.

Theme and Variations

Compose and perform a song using Theme and Variations. Students will change rhythms, transpositions, time signatures, instruments, dynamics and adjust tempos. In addition, students will add harmony using I & V7 chords.

ABA Composition

Students will write a melody in the Key of C Major, and compose a harmonic bass line to accompany the melody, while following the checklist listed below.

1.____ Melody uses Repetition, Sequence, or Inversion
2.____ Melody has ABA Form
3.____ Melody is in C Major
4.____ Composition is written in 4/4 time, 4 beats per measure
5.____ Bass notes support melody
6.____ Notation is written with correct stem up or stem down
7.____ Title for Composition
8.____ ABA Form are related in idea and sound
9.____ Composition sounds complete

Create Basic 8th Note Sight-Reading

Notate basic sight-reading melodies using simple 8th note rhythms. Once completed, you and your partner will both play each other’s excerpt. After playing your partner’s excerpt, leave a comment in the score as to the overall playability.