Using predetermined musical elements, either rhythmic or melodic, students compose a “music composition code” in small groups. Laying the individual lines of “musical composition code” on the ground, students add directional arrows to direct performers to the next line of “code” to create a larger musical composition.

Students learn to add music note values, and create compositions in 4/4, common time. Using traditional music  notation students may choose to compose for voice or drums. This ruler composition activity uses a familiar math visual to help students see the length or duration of musical notes. Final compositions can be emailed to the teacher for review.

Students work to create a new original composition using ‘samples'’ or snippets of other students' work. Students create a consent form to collect permission from the original creators of each sample. After choosing which instrument to perform the finished composition on, and practicing, students perform the finished product for the class. A possible extension could be to include opportunities for student collaboration in the form of revisions and edits.

With the guidance and collaboration of an educator, students explore music composition using digital music notation software. This digital tool allows students to easily compose with traditional music notation. Students have the ability to drag and drop notes and rhythms on the staff, and can easily make changes to their compositions. Students are able to hear their composition with playback features, and receive immediate feedback on their rhythmic and melodic choices.

Students will use a digital composition tool to create a melody with specific parameters, based on grade level goals and standards. The teacher prepares a poem with a rhythm on one note, and students will create a melodic-variation to share with others.

One of the key elements of any video is the sound that we hear along with it. In this lesson, students will use video editing software and/or a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record a soundtrack to a film.

Students create a four-measure rhythm composition using an interactive slide deck. Teachers can provide different guidelines and rhythmic components (time signature, note/rest value) in the interactive slide deck for different grade levels and/or student musical ability. Students then perform their rhythm composition on a digital instrument of their choice from a variety of sources (e.g. Makey Makey bongos, Music K-8 boomwhackers, etc.). Students compare and contrast digital and traditional methods for creating music.

Students need to know that their voice matters to this world and that they can create music that will enhance their community. This project is designed to allow students to engage in small groups to create an original piece of music.  It will comprise elements of composition, improvisation, music theory, musical notation, and performance while working within a group setting. Students will use a digital audio workstation to record, edit, and remix their song.

This instructional plan will provide the instructor with the outline and resources to guide students in the composition of original music. Composition incorporates different aspects of music education including creativity, critical thinking, and the application of musical techniques. 

This plan will outline the process and resources needed to introduce and improve improvisation in an instrumental classroom. Improvisation is important for encouraging creativity and expression while providing a supportive environment that is free of judgment and criticism. 

The music room just became a working professional music studio and live performance venue, complete with a full complement of composers, performers, audio engineers, promoters, stage managers, and a stage crew! Students will work collaboratively to develop understandings of the many careers associated with the performing arts, while composing and premiering an original music work.

Students will demonstrate the creative process by composing an eight-measure composition using the E major pentatonic scale. Notes used include B and C# on the 2nd string and E, F#, and G# on the 1st string. These melody notes will be played using the index and middle finger. Warm-ups and repertoire to prepare students in the key and compositional style are included as resources.

Watch a portrait of a student come to life with the student’s own composition and performance through technology! Students will perform and record a musical greeting using their name and create access to their performance through a portrait with QR codes and websites/applications such as Flipgrid and/or ChatterPix Kids.

This lesson introduces students to composition through the application of rhythms being used in daily sight-reading and/or repertoire. Students will notate and perform short rhythmic/melodic examples individually and in pairs and groups.

Students will compose and perform a melody consisting of quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests using traditional and non-traditional notation. Students will also gain facility performing the notes E, G, A and C on the recorder.

In this webinar, we will explore ways that teachers and students can use digital tools in the secondary music classroom for creation and investigation. Topics addressed will include project ideas, integration of audio creation tools into the class structure and environment, and practical issues to consider when choosing hardware and software for these projects.