7th Grade Music Composition Resources

Looking for a way to have some fun while learning music? Look no further. This Graphic Scores Unit will have your students exploring how to represent sound using graphics and composing in no time! There are 3 main lessons included in this unit, however, the last lesson will likely take 6-8 lessons to put together and perform. This unit is one I have used with my own students so I know how much fun they have with it! The great thing with graphic scores is you don't really need any instruments to compose which makes this unit even better if you're teaching music on a cart or have limited resources available.

Overview:

This graphic score short unit exposes students to what a graphic score is. They get to represent sound using graphics and compose their own graphic score using found sounds. Students will learn how sound and music can be represented using graphics. They will practice representing a short piece of music through graphics. After, they will represent common soundscapes using their own graphics and will then create their own graphic score to perform. I created this in Google Docs/Slides so that you can customize this unit to your own unique needs.

Learning Goals:

• We are learning how to represent sounds and music using non-traditional notation.
• We are learning to compose a piece of music using found sounds and represent our sound using graphics.

Success Criteria:

• I can represent sound using graphics.
• I can compose a piece of music with a group and perform it using my score.

What’s Included:

• Lesson Plans and Ideas
• Google Slides Lesson on Graphic Scores (including original composition to practice creating graphic scores)
• Graphic organizer for students with fill in the blanks about graphic scores
• Graphic organizer for students to represent original composition as a graphic score
• Graphic organizer for students to represent soundscapes using graphics
• Graphic score for students to create their own graphic scores
• Rubrics to mark graphic score assignments
• 3 Stars and a Wish for peer feedback

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Franz Schubert and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Schubert’s style, using Audiotool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• Fun Facts about Franz Schubert WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital files included)
• Fun Facts about Franz Schubert WebQuest Answer Key
• Creating Music in Schubert’s Style using a Choice of Software

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• WebQuest: 1 (50 minute) class period
• Music Project: 2-3 (50 minute) class periods

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In this fresh new remix of a Bucket Drum activity, "Bucket Beat Bonanza" is designed by displaying a 4 beat rhythm, most different than others. This gives kids opportunities to reinforce their own rhythms while playing in an ensemble.

There are 3 groups

1. Playing on the bucket (center rim)

2. Playing on the side (or the rim edge if you wish)

3. Stick Clicks

If you want to explore a different method, you can a third of class on one rhythm, and the other two thirds on a different. You could play them in a round, canon, explore different dynamics, loop it -- the possibilities are endless! And with 20 different compositions, you'll have the freedom to explore without getting tired of the same arrangement.

Each scaffolds up:

1. Quarter Notes and Eighth Notes

2. Triplets

3. Eighth Sixteenths

4. Four Sixteenth pairs

Level 2 (with 8 beat rhythms and more complexities) will be uploaded in the future as a follow-up!

The next level in the Rock'n'Rollin' method books! In R'n'R 2, we transition from a simple 3-line staff, to a full 5-line staff. The book focuses on getting students used to reading and playing on the 5-line staff. Other concepts in the book include stickings and rudiments, time signatures, rests, and introduces note and rest names like Quarters, Half's, and Whole's. Color is still used throughout the book to help with the transition on the staff.

The book itself is 100 pages and includes various activities, pages for composition, and a practice tracker in the back. At the end of the book, students may also fill out the Awesomeness Certificate to show they've completed the book!

Please note, this book is licensed for you to make multiple copies for teachers and students. You may duplicate as needed!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Johannes Brahms and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Brahms’ style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• Fun Facts about Johannes Brahms WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital files included)
• Fun Facts about Johannes Brahms WebQuest Answer Key
• Creating Music in Brahms’ Style using a Choice of Software

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• WebQuest: 1 (50 minute) class period
• Music Project: 2-3 (50 minute) class periods

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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End of the year review or just starting up with aural theory? Try on "Inspector Interval"!

In this fast paced game, students will do a brief review of how a musical interval is defined and jump right into the contest -- have an interval on the treble clef staff appear and TEAM A or TEAM B will have to name the interval as fast as they can!

There are no qualities of intervals (major 2nd, minor 6th, etc), just interval names by itself. There will always be a grounded "F", so the intervals will be built on top of that

We usually play this game 'around the world' style. We start off on the left side or right side of the the room and the first two people stand up and you flash an interval on the screen. The student who gets the note correct gets to move onto the next child in the class while the other student sits. That student has to make their way through the entire class before being deemed champion... but they could be beat at ANY TIME! You can mix it up, left side, right side, boys/girls, etc. Kids get ultra competitive!

... or use it as an individual activity!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Franz Joseph Haydn and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Haydn’s style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• Fun Facts about Franz Joseph Haydn WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital files included)
• Fun Facts about Franz Joseph Haydn WebQuest Answer Key
• Creating Music in Haydn’s Style using a Choice of Software

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• WebQuest: 1 (50 minute) class period
• Music Project: 2-3 (50 minute) class periods

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A game that will keep your students entertained, engaged, and competitively charged with identifying chord quality, here's One "Minor" Imposter inspired by "Among Us"!

___________________________________

IN ONE MINOR IMPOSTER, YOU WILL LISTEN TO 2, 3, 4 EVEN 5 CREWMATES PLAY MAJOR CHORDS ONE BY ONE. ONE OF THE MAJOR CHORDS IS ACTUALLY NOT THE MAJOR CHORD PERFORMED!

YOUR TASK IS TO DECIDE WHICH CREWMATE IS THE IMPOSTER BY SELECTING THE CREWMATE WHO PLAYED THE MINOR CHORD INSTEAD OF THE MAJOR CHORD

HERE WILL BE ONLY ONE CREWMATE WHO IS THE IMPOSTER

____________________________

In each example is a piano/guitar/harpsichord mix with different background percussion tempos to keep the kids engaged. Each crewmate, lined up on the powerpoint (1, 2, 3, etc) will be representative of the musical example played.

Included in this resource are

• Mp3 examples embedded in each question (15 questions)
• A printout where you can replicate and cut out cards (if you want the students to place on the floor or hold up to show which one was the imposter)
• 3 levels of rhythms with 3 crewmates (2 major crewmates, 1 minor imposter), 4 crewmates (3 major crewmates, 1 minor imposter), and 5 crewmates (4 major crewmates, 1 imposter)

Have a terrific time with this while your kids study chord quality!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Mozart’s style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Fun Facts about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart WebQuest Activity (print and

Editable digital files included)

• Fun Facts about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart WebQuest Answer Key

• Creating Music in Mozart’s Style using AudioTool

Related Products
⭐ Who Owns the Music - Copyright Lesson (Team research and PowerPoint)
⭐ Sound Engineering - Design & Build a Musical Instrument
⭐ Music Related Pixel Art in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Creating and Editing Audio & Music in Audacity

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The follow-up to "Rhythm Wind Up and PITCH!"
______________________________________

This one will get the kids on their edge of their seats!

You will need 1 thing for this particular game:

• A sticky suction cup ball (or maybe a soft squishy ball)

The students will see a melody at the bottom of their screen and memorize the melodic direction or say it back in their head (just make sure the melodic is not sung out loud). They will then hear a musical example of an endless loop of melodic figures separated by 4 beats each in between rhythms. (Teacher will click the speaker icon to play)

Take a listen...

....

....

One of the melodic figures will be the melody that is on the screen. AS SOON AS THEY HEAR THAT MELODY, they throw their suction cup ball at the target. The first kid who gets it correct is the winner (and make sure you advance the slide to make the target turn green) :)

Obviously, we cannot play this as a class because of

1. The amount of suction cup balls tossed at the screen would be insane

2. Team A v Team B would be a bit more competitive and only two balls would be launched at once

If you don't have a whiteboard/projection screen, you can alternatively have the students raise their hand when they hear it and choose the kid who has their hand up the fastest.

Have a great time with this fast paced game!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Johann Strauss and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Strauss’ style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• Fun Facts about Johann Strauss WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital
  files included)
• Fun Facts about Johann Strauss WebQuest Answer Key
• Creating Music in Strauss’ Style using a Choice of Software

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• WebQuest: 1 (50 minute) class period
• Music Project: 2-3 (50 minute) class periods

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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Understanding notation duration and how they fit mathematically into bars of music is one of the fundamental learning goals of upper elementary students!

With Measure Up! Students will see a measure of music… but… it is incomplete! They will then Choose the correct notation from one of the boxes to complete the measure. Students can use the powerpoint in design mode to click and drag it, draw a path for their specific box to the open box, or write it in!

Can also be used for Distance Learning as well!

15 examples with quarter notes and rests, half notes and rests, whole notes and rests, eighth notes and rests, 4 sixteenth notes and 2/4, 3/4, 5/4, 4/4, and a bonus 6/8 example at the end!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Frederic Chopin and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Chopin’s style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Fun Facts about Frederic Chopin WebQuest Activity (print and

Editable digital files included)

• Fun Facts about Frederic Chopin WebQuest Answer Key

• Creating Music in Chopin’s Style using AudioTool

Related Products
⭐ Who Owns the Music - Copyright Lesson (Team research and PowerPoint)
⭐ Sound Engineering - Design & Build a Musical Instrument
⭐ Music Related Pixel Art in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Creating and Editing Audio & Music in Audacity

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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Here are three easy arrangements for Tubano drums and optional tambourine!

The rhythms are easy to teach your kids as you line up familar words and teach them by rote. The tubano notation is as follows:

4th space "E" will be the tone
2nd space "A" will be bass

The tambourine can be tapped or shaken for longer durations (up to the director!)

Three pieces included are:
_Strawberry Shortcake
The Solar System
The United States of Tubano

_All pieces have a 2 measure [A] section and a 2 measure [B] section. You can do any form you'd like AABBAABB, ABABABA, the possibilities are endless!

In this lesson, students learn interesting facts about the history of Musical Theater as they complete several projects including a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included with this lesson is a word search puzzle that includes an answer key, perfect for early finishers or as a part of the lesson. Finally, students research their choice of a Musical Theater composer and create a presentation about their contributions to the field of Musical Theater using their choice of Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

This lesson is intended to be an introduction to the topic and was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well. This lesson could be used in a music, history or technology class and is also a great lesson to leave for a substitute teacher!

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs
• Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• The History of Musical Theater WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital
  files included)
• The History of Musical Theater WebQuest Answer Key
• Word Search Puzzle – The History of Musical Theater Vocabulary (includes answer key)
• The History of Musical Theater Presentation Project Expectations with Rubric

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• WebQuest - 1 (50 minute) class period
• Word Search Puzzle – 15 minutes
• Presentation Project (including research) – 1.5 -3 (50 minute) class periods
• Optional: additional time for students to present their project to the class (time will vary depending on class size).

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Looking for some new Orff compositions? In this pack you will get 3 different Orff compositions entitled "Spirit of the Phoenix", "A Minor Mystery" and "Pentatonic Soundscapes" for Xylophones (Soprano, Alto, and Bass), Tubanos, and Tambourines.

Detail is given on how pieces are structured so you kids can play along, and notation comes will letters below (just in case you'd like to teach them by rote).

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment. Enjoy these compositions!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about John Philip Sousa and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Sousa’s style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Fun Facts about John Philip Sousa WebQuest Activity (print and

Editable digital files included)

• Fun Facts about John Philip Sousa WebQuest Answer Key

• Creating Music in Sousa’s Style using AudioTool

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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The ultimate Boys vs Girls competition! If you're working on notes of the treble clef staff, this is a fun way for kids to competitively spell them out. First, we made a boys side (on the left of the screen) and girls side on the (on the right). A word will appear and the students have 10 seconds to spell the word out (there is a timer attached to the powerpoint and it will count down as soon as the slide appears). This games works best on a whiteboard that has magnetic backing as I print out notes and have the kids race as fast as they can to put them on. After the kids lock in their answer, the next slide reveals the notes. For notes that have F's and E's, the answer key has both top line, top space notes -- those F's and E's both count! :) Some are easy (CAB, DAB, DAD), some get a little tricky (BECCA, CABBAGE, DECADE) and so on. Towards the end they repeat, and feel free to edit and make your own! Have fun with this and if you have any questions, let me know!

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Johann Sebastian Bach and his music as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. Then, they use that knowledge to create a music composition of their own, using Bach’s style, using AudioTool, a free Web 2.0 music creation and editing program. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Also included are tutorial links to assist students with the software for the music project.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Fun Facts about Johann Sebastian Bach WebQuest Activity (print and

Editable digital files included)

• Fun Facts about Johann Sebastian Bach WebQuest Answer Key

• Creating Music in Bach’s Style using AudioTool

Related Products
⭐ Who Owns the Music - Copyright Lesson (Team research and PowerPoint)
⭐ Sound Engineering - Design & Build a Musical Instrument
⭐ Music Related Pixel Art in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Creating and Editing Audio & Music in Audacity

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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Included are some pretty hefty Orff arrangements for your advanced groups! On the powerpoint, all arrangements are color coded and marked with letters for easy rote teaching. The first arrangement is a piece called "The Zoo" which is 8 measures long and is intended to be repeated. The bass has a bordoun in the beginning and splits into a bass line in the second part. The alto provides chords and the soprano the melody The second arrangement, Untitled, has a lovely assortment of indepenent parts and a haunting E minor intro section. The next section gets more rhythmic in the sopranos as the alto takes over the melody along with the bass Enjoy these advanced arrangements!