Grade 5 Description
The overarching goals of 5th Grade Music Appreciation is that students will further skills in standard notation, perform alone and with others a varied repertoire, study the music of Beethoven, be able to play the piano at a beginning level, and be able to appreciate a wide variety of music styles, even if they differ from the students’ personal preferences.
5th Grade music allows students to build on previous knowledge of standard notation. Students will perform the music of others, compose their own music, understand the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven, and learn to play the piano at a beginning level.
Unit 1: Music Theory
Unit 2: Beethoven
Unit 3: Piano
Unit 1 Overview:
Students will gain fluency in note and rhythm reading and be able to apply knowledge to playing and composing. The culminating activity is a composition project where students synthesize their knowledge of standard notation to writing their own compositions and playing them for the class. Essential questions include: Why is it necessary to use standard notation while writing music? How does my knowledge of standard notation add to my success in music?
Unit 2 Overview:
Students will gain understanding of the music and life of Ludwig van Beethoven. Essential questions: How did Beethoven learn to play the piano? Why is it important that we recognize the music of Beethoven hundreds of years past his death? How does the music of Beethoven relate to the music of today?
Unit 3 Overview:
Students will be able to play the piano at a beginning level. Students will transfer their knowledge of standard notation to playing the piano. Essential questions: How is playing the piano different than playing a band instrument, such as the flute or trumpet? What can the piano do that other instruments cannot? What other instruments share characteristics of the piano?