6th Grade Music Appreciation
The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.
Semester 1
Unit 1: Introduction to Fundamentals
- Review rhythms
- Review instruments of the orchestra
- Practice classroom instruments
- Develop listening and evaluation skills
Unit 2: Composition and Performance
- Perform rhythms independently and in groups
- Create and perform original rhythms
- Accompany songs on classroom instruments
Unit 3: Listening and Evaluation
- Identify and discuss elements of music
- Write or draw interpretations of music
- Identify the purpose of music
Semester 2
Unit 4: Cultural Response to Music
- Identify styles of performing musical arts (musical, opera, ballet, symphony, band, rock, jazz, etc.)
- Identify elements that define each style
- Compare and contrast performing arts styles
- Understand plot inspirations in music (fables, myths, legends, stories, religious themes)
Unit 5: College and Career Readiness
- Explore careers in the music industry
- Identify education or experience requirements
- Research and present selected careers
Unit 6: Cultural Response, Composition, and Performance
- Study music in movies and video games
- Analyze composers and their impact
- Create original movie or video game music using software
Essential Questions
- How do musicians generate creative ideas?
- How do musicians make creative decisions?
- How do musicians improve the quality of their creative work?
- When is creative work ready to share?
- How do performers select repertoire?
- How does understanding structure and context inform performance?
- How do performers interpret music?
- When is a performance ready to present?
- How does context influence audience response?