Course Plan: Getting to Know You Through Music
Introduction
Welcome to the "Getting to Know You" music course for Year 3 students! This course aims to create a vibrant and engaging environment where students can express themselves, learn about their peers, and explore the diverse world of music. Throughout six lessons, students will participate in a variety of musical activities designed to help them get to know each other while developing their musical skills.
Course Goals:
- To foster a sense of community and belonging among students.
- To enhance musical listening and performance skills.
- To encourage self-expression and creativity through music.
Course Aims:
- Students will learn to identify different musical instruments and sounds.
- Students will participate in group activities to share personal music preferences.
- Students will create and perform a piece of music that reflects their identity and experiences.
- Students will appreciate the role of music in different cultures.
Lesson Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Music and Each Other
Lesson 1: What is Music?
- Objective: Define music and explore its different forms.
- Activities:
- Discussion about what music means to students.
- Listening to different genres of music (e.g., classical, pop, rock).
- Music Examples: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "We Will Rock You" by Queen.
Lesson 2: My Music Preferences
- Objective: Share personal music preferences.
- Activities:
- Students create a "Favorite Song" poster.
- Share posters in small groups.
- Music Examples: Various popular songs chosen by the students.
Module 2: Exploring Music Together
Lesson 3: Instruments Around the World
- Objective: Learn about musical instruments from different cultures.
- Activities:
- Introduction to instruments like the didgeridoo, ukulele, and drums.
- Group activity to explore sounds through simple percussion instruments.
- Music Examples: Sounds of the didgeridoo, traditional drum music from Africa.
Lesson 4: Creating Our Own Instrument Sounds
- Objective: Experiment with making music using everyday objects.
- Activities:
- Students select objects to create unique percussion sounds.
- Perform a group rhythm using their objects.
- Music Examples: Use of spoons, bottles, or clapping.
Module 3: Expressing Ourselves Through Music
Lesson 5: Writing a Group Song
- Objective: Collaborate to write an original song.
- Activities:
- Brainstorm themes that reflect their feelings and experiences.
- Work in groups to write lyrics and create a simple melody.
- Music Examples: Simple songs like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" for melody inspiration.
Lesson 6: Performance Day!
- Objective: Perform the group song and celebrate individuality.
- Activities:
- Prepare and rehearse the performances.
- Host a mini-concert where each group performs their song.
- Music Examples: Each group will perform their unique creation.
Conclusion
By the end of this course, students will not only have developed musical skills but also embraced the importance of community and self-expression. They will leave with a deeper appreciation for music and the diverse stories that each person brings to the table.
References
- Swanwick, K. (1999). Music, Education, and Society. London: Routledge.
- Wright, R. (2007). Teaching Music in the Secondary School. London: Routledge.
- Australian Music Education. (2020). Retrieved from Music Australia.
- Music Australia. (2019). Supporting Music Education in Australia. Retrieved from Music Education Australia.
This course is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum for the Arts, focusing on the key processes of creating, performing, and responding to music within a meaningful context of getting to know one another.