Smithsonian Institution
African American Music: Let’s Sing and Play Clapping Games
Two lessons focus on making a beat. Using popular African American music of its time, scholars listen and analyze the rhythm then recreate it with hands drums, and cups.
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Composing Music
Students explore music appreciation by creating their own music pieces in class. In this music composition instructional activity, students collaborate in small groups with their instruments and compose a short song which they will play...
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Musical Sounds
Students investigate music appreciation by completing worksheets. In this musical arts instructional activity, students complete worksheets in which they identify different musical instruments, the sounds they make and the family of...
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Identifying Musical Instruments
First graders identify different musical instruments. In this music appreciation lesson, 1st graders discover the different groups and sounds of instruments while learning their names as well. Students write about an...
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Composing Music
Young scholars explore music appreciation by reading sheet music. In this musical score analysis lesson, students utilize their individual instruments to play the song "Peter and the Wolf." Young scholars listen to an online version of...
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Butterflies Fly!
Chopin was a lovely composer who played the piano masterfully. Third graders are introduced to Chopin, his piano sounds, triple meter, music patterns, movement, and the waltz. They listen to his music while hearing the story Butterflies...
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Jazz Music and the Crisis Over School Desegregation
High schoolers will learn to appreciate the civil rights movement with a focus on Little Rock, Arkansas. They will also acknowledge Louis Armstrong's unparalleled contributions to American music.
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Melodies and Math: Creating Music with Non-Traditional Instruments
Review the 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures in music with a helpful music theory lesson plan. Young musicians experiment with electronic sounds and create their own musical performance using instruments made from materials found in the...
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Exploring African Music
Young scholars appreciate African Music and the rich culture it represents. They identify two characteristics of African Music in their journals.
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What is Timbre?
Students analyze the differences in similar songs. In this music appreciation lesson, students discover the meaning of timbre and how it can drastically change similar pieces of music. Students sing two pieces of music with...
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Carnival of the Animals
Students listen to music to study the various sounds instruments make and feelings they incur. In this music analysis lesson, students listen to musical extracts from 'The Carnival of Animals' describe the music. Students learn about the...
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Music Appreciation:
Learners list the four main families of musical instruments, name one instrument from each musical family, name three ways music is used in everyday life.
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Chick Corea and Nicolas Economou: "Songs for Children"
Students study the career of Chick Corea, whose work has spanned myriad styles in the past thirty years. They explore the double meaning of "Children's Music" and are introduced to the piano
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International Festival: Mexico
Students explore the culture of Mexico through music and food. In this multicultural instructional activity, students read the book Mexico and listen to samples of Mexican music. Students use ingredients to make tacos.
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Who are My Sisters and Brothers?
Students explore religion by completing a cultural diversity activity. In this human compassion lesson, students identify all of "God's Children" as their sisters and brothers. Students read the book Frederick in class and listen to...
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A New Life, a New Home
Students connect with an immigration unit through research, journal writing, digital photography, and a movie production using iMovie. By acting out the immigrant's experience, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of...
Media Smarts
Thinking About Television and Movies
As part of their study of the influence of TV and films, class members consider how music, lighting, costumes, camera angles, etc. are used to influence the response of viewers.
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Ant-Like Antics
Students discover themselves and others through music. In this music and movement lesson, students express themselves through music and appreciate others doing the same.
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Music
Students develop listening skills through repetitive singing. They develop an appreciation of melody.
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Music/Craft
Students develop an appreciation of melody. They gain enjoyment from singing. They participate in an art activity.
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Storytelling: Performance and Art Learning Center
Tenth graders explore the process of telling stories without words. In this literature lesson plan, 10th graders watch a music video performance made by Alaska Native students, and then examine art objects that may be used to tell...
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Can You Hear a Story?
Students gain an understanding of relationships between music and language arts. They analyze a story and create a musical composition that reflects and enhances the story. The musical accompaniment will be produced in a book on tape.
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Five Little Frogs
Students use music to study concepts in math. For this music math lesson, students sing songs, read books, and learn counting skills in frog themed activities.
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Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...