Students enjoy collaborating on music creations. A great way to let students begin working together on song creation is to compose a ‘phrase’ by taking turns creating each section of the phrase (question and answer).
Lesson 017
All of our music compositions and studies are created with Sibelius notation software. The same studies below may be used with any notation program.
Objectives:
* Students will learn and play the notes to the G and C scales, various rhythms.
* To complete pp. 23-51 in the Alfred Basic Piano Library Level 1A (varies based on student level).
* Students will complete a short notation project using Sibelius and handouts (Compose a Phrase).
Materials:
Alfred 1A Piano Books, keyboards and related equipment, computers, Sibelius or other notation software, video / projection equipment.
Procedures:
1) Introduce or examine the C Major and G Major Scales for use in compositions. Play the scale(s) using the keyboard and various rhythms. Use handouts or view the scales on the projection screen.
2) Complete various pages in the Alfred Basic Piano Library Book 1 (pages 23-51) based on individual student progress. Video tape (digital camera) some of the students and post it immediately using the projector for review and feedback.
3) Complete a short notation project using Sibelius software. Use the ‘Compose a Phrase in G Major’ worksheet. Demonstrate a ‘phrase’ using the keyboard. Students will take turns creating the phrase by switching papers after each section is completed. One student will write the ‘question’ portion of the phrase. The other student will create the ‘answer’ portion of the phrase. If time allows, notate the music using Sibelius or other notation software.
Worksheet PDF "Compose a Phrase in G Major"
Answer Sheet Example PDF for "Compose a Phrase in G Major"
Ask students to notice...
* Did your collaboration with another student create the phrase that you thought it would? Did it sound like the music ‘worked’ together or did it create the feeling that the music didn’t sound right?
* Could you create a longer composition using the phrase that you created?
* What would you have done (differently) than the other collaborator on your composition?
Evaluation…
Students successfully play the C and G Major Scales on the keyboard (one hand, one octave).
Students complete the assigned pages in the Alfred Basic Piano Book.
Students complete the ‘Compose a Phrase’ worksheet (points and grading are listed at the bottom of the worksheet).
Extra Activities…
Students may work on quizzes on our website or work on a composition using Sibelius if time allows.
