Course Plan: Getting to Know You Through Music
Introduction
Welcome to the "Getting to Know You Through Music" course! In this engaging six-lesson series, Year 4 students will explore the universal language of music to facilitate self-expression and interpersonal relationships. By using music as a tool, students will learn about their own identities and how to connect with others. This course will incorporate listening, performing, and creating music in a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
Course Goals
- To develop an understanding of how music can express emotions, experiences, and identities.
- To promote collaboration and communication among students through group musical activities.
- To foster an appreciation of different musical styles and cultures.
- To encourage self-expression and creativity through music creation.
Course Aims
- Explore personal and group identities through music.
- Develop listening and performing skills.
- Learn to appreciate diversity in musical genres and cultures.
- Create original music pieces individually and collaboratively.
Lesson Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Music and Self-Expression
Lesson 1: What is Music?
- Objectives:
- Understand the definition of music.
- Discuss the role of music in different cultures.
- Activities:
- Listen to various musical genres (classical, jazz, pop, etc.)
- Class discussion on how music makes them feel and why it's important.
- Examples of Music:
- Beethoven's "Ode to Joy"
- Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World"
Lesson 2: My Musical Identity
- Objectives:
- Reflect on personal preferences in music.
- Share favorite songs with classmates.
- Activities:
- Create a "My Favorite Song" poster and present it to the class.
- Group discussions about why chosen songs are meaningful.
Module 2: Getting to Know Each Other Through Music
Lesson 3: Musical Stories
- Objectives:
- Learn how music can tell stories.
- Share personal stories inspired by music.
- Activities:
- Listen to narrative songs (e.g., “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel).
- Write and share a short story related to their favorite song.
Lesson 4: Group Collaboration in Music
- Objectives:
- Understand the importance of teamwork in music.
- Collaborate to create a group piece.
- Activities:
- In small groups, choose a theme and create a simple rhythm using claps and body percussion.
- Present group pieces to the class.
Module 3: Creating and Celebrating Music
Lesson 5: Creating My Own Music
- Objectives:
- Experiment with creating original music.
- Learn basic concepts of melody, rhythm, and harmony.
- Activities:
- Use xylophones and percussion instruments to create short musical phrases.
- Work in pairs to combine musical ideas into a cohesive piece.
Lesson 6: Celebration of Music and Friendship
- Objectives:
- Showcase students' musical creations.
- Foster a sense of community and appreciation for each other’s efforts.
- Activities:
- Host a "Getting to Know You Music Fair" where each group performs their compositions.
- Invite parents and other classes to celebrate student achievements.
References
- Campbell, P. S. (1998). Music in Childhood: From Preschool through the Elementary Grades. Delmar Cengage Learning.
- Gordon, E. E. (2012). Learning Sequences in Music: A Contemporary Approach to Music Learning. GIA Publications.
- Flowers, P. J. (2018). A-Z Music Education. Cambridge University Press.
- Australian Curriculum: The Arts (Music) - Available at Australian Curriculum.
Note: Additional music examples can be found on streaming platforms like Spotify or YouTube, where students can listen to specific pieces mentioned in lessons.