Here's a collection of unit plans for middle school musicians. Topics include the mbira, opera, rhythm and culture, music in Africa, music in the movies, music theory and notation, blues and jazz, and the ocarina. Definitely worth a look.

Creative projects are great ways to increase interest in topical research. Middle schoolers learning about primitive life styles in the Americas explore the importance of music to hunter gatherers. They research and create musical...

Quiz your class on the wonders of African music. There are approximately 25 questions broken into five sections, each section focuses on a different aspect of music applied to African music elements. Quiz topics include African music,...

"Ode to la Tortilla" and "Ode to Joy"? Sure! Use Gary Soto's poem to introduce learners to the ode format. After examining the descriptive words Soto uses, class members study a poster of Ludwig van Beethoven, suggest words that describe...

Fifth graders explore components of Japanese language, song, instruments, and music. Dotted eighth and sixteenth notes are practiced, the pronunciation of words for the song taught, and chords for tone chimes played in this lesson.

Young scholars figure out rhythm notation for phrases describing the benefits of broccoli. They compose four-measure patterns using the rhythms of these phrases.

Third graders experience different songs that are themed to match the seasons of the year. Each season will have a different song for the students to play non-pitched instruments, moving in rhythm and learning the pattern of a round.

In this music worksheet, students will read about the 3 main parts of Indian music, complete 5 short answer questions about those parts, and read descriptions of 4 common Indian instruments.

Fourth graders learn about musical patterns as they play a game called fudge. Students are assessed based on whether they were able to identify and play a steady beat, use the appropriate form, and clap the rythmic patterns.

Learners probe samples of European classical, American jazz, and rock and roll to analyze the similarities and differences. The styles and form of these three types of music are examined for tempo, timbre, and rhythm.

Students practice rhythms and fractions on African drums in this Music lesson mixing Math skills and music notation. The lesson also includes ideas for assessment and state and national benchmarks met.

Students listen to and dance to the music of India. After listening to the music again, they identify the different types of instruments playing the melody. They explain the tabla tarang and view photographs of people performing the music.

Fourth graders describe and play various tempos as part of this beginning instrumental lesson. They recite tongue twisters to a medium, largo, and allegro tempos. As an extension, 4th graders use software as an accompaniment to other...

Learners examine basic song form and 4/4 meter. They sing a song about diet and nutrition while identifying examining the rhythm of the song. They discuss why fruit and fiber are important to health.

StudentS name and discuss facts of the characters in "The Prairie Dog that Met the President". They create a 4 to 8 beat chant about a character from the opera, play a percussion instrument with an assigned rhythm and identify a melody...

Young scholars perform a song using correct rhythms, accurate pitches, and dynamic phrasing. They perform an accompaniment to "America" on Orff instruments.

Time to pick up an instrument and practice the first part of Beethoven's symphony No.5. Young musicians discuss melody, rhythmic pattern, dynamics, and movements found in symphonic and orchestral pieces. They then practice and play the...

Quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests; it's time to read rhythmic patterns in music. The class plays ostinatos as they practice identifying rhythmic patterns. They then listen to Mannheim Steamroller as they draw geometric patterns that...

Learners research the animals of Brazil. In this animal science lesson, students locate Brazil on a map and discuss the types of animals that can live in its tropical climate. They research a Brazilian Carnaval and see the roll the...

Second graders identify different rhythmic notation and perform simple rhythmic patterns with the group, applying them to performing the song "Frere Jacques" vocally. Emphasis is placed on meeting State and National Standards for the Arts.

Students explore the terms and structure of a bluegrass tune. They participate in a listening exercise that will challenge them to identify specific elements within a bluegrass musical arrangement.

Students use rhymes, songs and games to help them study music. They discover how music can be used with movement, speech and singing.

Students listen to, analyze, and describe music. They experience performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

Students sing and chant various songs keeping a steady beat, or pulse, while performing as a group in this early-elementary level General Music lesson. Emphasis is placed on the use of Solfege syllables and the song "Singin' In The Rain".