Learning Context/ Introduction
In this learning experience, students work in small groups using SMART Board Technology to write a 4 measure music composition. Learning the basic structure and vocabulary of written music is the goal of this experience.
Essential Question
What are the basic elements of composition and how are they put together to compose music?
Duration
3 or 4 class periods of 40 minutes each
Procedure
Learn by Example: Students see an example of chorus music written with SMART Board Technology.
- The vocabulary and structural elements are discussed.
- staff
- B flat in the key signature
- time signature
- bar lines
- note values
- pitch placement
- Using the SMART Board "markers", students will circle elements to review the vocabulary and structure.
- Students will count out the rhythmic value of each measure, taking note that each equals a total of 4 beats.
- Together, sing the piece of music.
Learn the Software: As a group activity, the class will use the SMART Board and its software to compose a 4 measure piece using the guidelines on the instruction sheet.
- Students will participate one at a time to "click and drag" the musical symbols from the music software gallery. (We used the "music notes and paper - large".)
- All students will coach each participant through symbol placement and the adjustment of errors. Symbol placement and rhythmic values will be in constant check by all.
- When finished and checked, the students will sing the example.
Student Group Composition: Students will be assigned to a small group (four people) to compose a 4 measure composition.
- The one group at the SMART Board:
- Given a 5-minute time limit.
- Students rotate turns to "click and drag" one element apiece.
- If time, revisions will be made.
- The teacher will help keep time, and save each group's piece to the network. An informal observation is made by the teacher. (See Assessment section)
- The groups awaiting a turn at the SMART Board:
- Label symbols to reinforce the new vocabulary. (See Instruction Packet)
- Draw symbols and notes used while composing. (See Instruction Packet)
- Find symbols in student textbooks. (See Scavenger Hunt)
Group Presentations: Each group of students will get a chance to present their 4 measure composition to the rest of the class.
- The class will complete an aural checklist. (See Assessment section)
- The class will make positive comments to the presenters and suggest revisions.
- The class will sing the piece.
- If time, revisions will be made before printing out a copy for each student to take his or her composition home.
Assessment
Group Work Rubric
Teacher will observe different levels of:
- Usage of SMART Board Technology.
- Knowledge of Vocabulary and Structure.
- Group Participation.
- Timeliness of Work.
Class Checklist for Completed Compositions
All students in the class (with teacher guidance) will verbally assess each group's example by answering the following questions:
- Does this piece have the following elements: staff, treble clef, B flat in the key signature, a 4/4 time signature, bar lines, and a double bar line?
- Are these elements in the correct places?
- Are there 4 measures and does each measure add up to the beat value of 4?
- (If time) Is this example neat, or is there something that could be done to make it easier to view?
- (If time) What rhythms or pitches could be changed to make the piece easier to sing?
Related Resource
SMART Board software
Laptop
Projector
Silver Burdett "Making Music" textbook
Student Work
Student composition, group work rubric, and class checklist
HawksTigersMonkeys
Reflections and Feedback
The SMART Board is a wonderful presentation/class participation tool!!! It is a touch sensitive screen that the computer image is projected on. Because the board is the mouse, software programs or the internet can be controlled right at the SMART Board. My younger students can easily manipulate any program, even if only using the "markers" in the chalkboard feature to write, draw, or circle certain elements that you want to stand out. All images can be saved for the next day's review! What a time saver!
As a beginner in learning to use technology myself, I used what was available to me at my school district to develop this learning experience. I'm aware of, but do not have, other music software programs (like Finale) that would be able to do the same simple composition. Finale does have a playback feature that would allow students to immediately hear what they compose. I would imagine that Finale would be compatible to the SMART Board for composition and presentation purposes.
Students loved using the technology, and each piece was easy to keep neat, as opposed to sloppy handwritten music.
Because there is only one SMART Board unit to use and one computer in my classroom, I tried to keep the other inactive groups busy by filling in worksheets related to the subject of identifying symbols. (See Scavenger Hunt)
This learning experience took quite a while to complete because of our class time constraints of 40-minute periods once every six day cycle. I feel my students really benefited from that because they were forced to work quickly as a group when using the SMART Board, and the continued review really reinforced the vocabulary. It was necessary to review terminology and software usage. Then we were left little time to complete projects. Because it took a few class times, I felt that my students really had a good chance to know and understand the elements of written music.
