The goal of this course is to provide students with a lifetime skill on their chosen instrument. A student who participates fully in this class and practices should be able to play through the beginning levels of their instrument (or if continuing on an instrument – reach the next level of proficiency)! We will occasionally have in-class recitals where students play for each other. We will also explore musicians who inspire us and share music we like. The class will end with a final recital where each student will play at least two songs for a live audience of invited guests.
How do I know I have communicated well?
How do these skills help me throughout life?
What inspires music?
What makes a good musical performance?
Why does mastery of an art require a disciplined approach?
Essential Questions:
Why does mastery of an art require a disciplined approach?
Major Concepts:
Knowing the parts of the instrument and how sound is produced will help you understand what you are trying to do.
Good hand & body position will help you avoid hardships and mistakes later.
Playing to the beat is essential to playing with others; you should feel it inside.
The music system is like learning a new language.
Setting up a daily routine to play your instrument is a major key to success.
Major Content:
Learning the best hand and body position
Learning the basic notes, chords, and rhythms on your instrument
Learning to keep a beat and play to the beat
Keeping track of your practicing and your goals during practice
Assessments:
Students are given a series of lessons/proficiencies throughout the course.
Lessons will be graded as a test when student demonstrates knowledge of material.
Students will also receive a grade for daily participation, class work, and dedication.
Essential Questions:
How do I know I have communicated well?
What do I need to know about myself to participate well in a performance?
Major Concepts:
When I perform I need to focus my attention on what I am doing and not get distracted with my audience.
The more I perform the better I will be at focusing during a performance.
Most people get nervous when they perform.
Major Content:
Keeping a steady beat.
Practicing so you are ready and practicing performing by recording yourself or by going through the entire piece without stopping always helps.
Thinking positively and visualizing yourself playing helps.
Unit Assessments:
Student performances are graded based on a rubric
Essential Questions:
What inspires music?
What makes a good musical performance?
Why does mastery of an art require a disciplined approach?
Major Concepts:
All musicians/artists look to others who have mastered what you are trying to do.
By listening and observing you can learn from the Masters.
Being a musician involves a lot of listening to others as role models.
Major Content:
Students will research and listen to many musicians of their choice playing their chosen instrument. Students will discuss why they like this music and try to figure out how to emulate what they are hearing.
Unit Assessments:
Assessment is given by the teacher through presentation and discussion.
Essential Questions:
How do I know I have communicated well?
What do I need to know about myself to participate well in a performance?
How do these skills help me through-out life?
Why do humans still use drama as a form of expression?
Major Concepts:
Being well prepared will help with confidence in your playing.
The more you perform the easier it gets.
Learning to focus when you are playing is important.
Major Content:
Each student will choose at least two songs to perform for the class recital. We will practice these many times and practice playing correctly once through. Students will also be able to invite students from other classes to attend the recital.
Unit Assessments:
The recital is often videotaped and students will write a reflection on what they have learned about themselves in performing and playing their instrument.