Students create a listening map while actively listening and reacting to music. Students develop a deeper understanding of music literacy terms through making connections to visual images.

Students will use their creative writing power to explore what a composer/performer might have been trying to say or make their audience feel in a piece of music. Students will use creative writing prompts to explore musical elements, using appropriate music terminology.

There is a mystery in the music room and students will solve it by working together. In these three short activities, students will actively listen to the order in which instruments perform, work to create a “Blob Opera” quartet, and identify which type of ensemble matches the description. If they get all three secret codes, the music room might just be saved!

This plan will provide the instructor with an outline and resources to direct students through the formation of a student virtual performance portfolio. Students will use their virtual performance portfolio to collect both individual and ensemble performing artifacts throughout the year to evaluate and critique performances, formulate and justify personal responses to music, and monitor individual practice and progress toward goals.