Lesson Plan
Hit Song Blueprint
Students will identify and apply key elements of memorable songs—melody, lyrics, and structure—using a rubric to draft an original chorus and give structured peer feedback.
Analyzing and practicing the building blocks of hit songs develops critical listening, creative expression, and collaborative skills, empowering students to craft engaging musical ideas.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Guided analysis, hands-on composition, and peer review.
Materials
Anatomy of a Hit Slide Deck, Catchy Composition Criteria Rubric, Peer Feedback Jam Session Activity, Song Reflection Exit Ticket, Audio playback device, and Writing paper and pens/pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials and Technology
10 minutes
- Test and set up the audio playback device with example song clips
- Review Anatomy of a Hit Slide Deck
- Print enough copies of Catchy Composition Criteria Rubric for each student
- Gather and laminate Peer Feedback Jam Session Activity instruction cards
- Print Song Reflection Exit Ticket handouts
Step 1
Hook & Discussion
5 minutes
- Play a 30-second clip of a popular, catchy song
- Ask students: "What made that song stick in your head?"
- Record student observations about melody, rhythm, lyrics, and structure on the board
Step 2
Explore the Anatomy of a Hit
10 minutes
- Display Anatomy of a Hit Slide Deck
- Walk through three core elements: memorable melody, meaningful lyrics, clear structure
- Prompt students to note examples in familiar songs
Step 3
Compose Your Chorus
15 minutes
- Pair up students and distribute Catchy Composition Criteria Rubric
- In pairs, draft a 4-line chorus focusing on melody idea and a lyrical hook
- Encourage sketching melody on staff paper or writing rhythmic syllable patterns
Step 4
Peer Feedback Jam Session
10 minutes
- Exchange choruses with another pair along with the rubric
- Use Peer Feedback Jam Session Activity to guide comments: what works, suggestions, two stars and a wish
- Allow each pair 1 minute to respond and revise based on feedback
Step 5
Exit Ticket Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out Song Reflection Exit Ticket
- Students write one strength and one improvement goal for their chorus
- Collect exit tickets as students leave
Slide Deck
Anatomy of a Hit Song
In every great song, three elements work together to make it stick:
- Memorable Melody
- Meaningful Lyrics
- Clear Structure
Let’s explore each in turn!
Welcome everyone! Today we’ll break down what makes a song unforgettable. Introduce the three key elements—melody, lyrics, and structure—then we’ll listen, analyze, and practice.
A melody is the sequence of notes you can’t stop humming.
• Often spans a small pitch range
• Uses repetition and variation
• Hooks your memory
Explain how melodies comprise pitch patterns that your brain recalls. Cue the audio clip and ask students to hum or whistle the tune after listening.
Element 2: Meaningful Lyrics
Lyrics give a song its message and emotion:
• Use strong imagery or storytelling
• Include a catchy hook or phrase
• Connect personally with listeners
Example (excerpt):
“Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’” — Journey
Display the printed lyrics excerpt. Read aloud with emphasis on the hook. Ask: What feeling or image does this lyric evoke?
Element 3: Clear Structure
Structure organizes musical ideas and guides the listener:
• Common forms: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
• Chorus is the emotional/high point
• Verses develop story and variation
Draw or project a simple diagram of Verse–Chorus–Verse–Chorus–Bridge–Chorus. Explain how structure builds familiarity and anticipation.
Putting It All Together
Memorable songs combine:
- A hooky melody
- Lyrics that resonate
- A familiar roadmap
When you write, aim to balance all three.
Recap all three elements and field quick questions. Prepare students to identify these in a full song clip.
As you listen, jot down:
• A melodic phrase you remember
• A lyric line that stands out
• How the song moves between sections
Play this short clip and instruct students to note examples of melody, lyrics, and structure. After listening, discuss observations.
Rubric
Catchy Composition Criteria Rubric
Use this rubric to guide your chorus writing and peer feedback. Circle the score that best describes each element of the chorus you’re evaluating.
Scoring Guide
4 – Excellent: Exceeds expectations with memorable, polished elements.
3 – Good: Meets expectations with clear, effective elements.
2 – Developing: Shows some elements but needs improvement.
1 – Beginning: Lacks clear elements; requires major revision.
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Good | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melody | • Instantly hooky and memorable • Uses repetition & variation effectively • Balanced pitch range | • Clear and singable • Some repetition or variation • Pitch range is okay | • Basic tune with minimal variation • May feel choppy or flat | • No clear melody • Hard to follow • Lacks repetition |
| Lyrics | • Vivid imagery or story • Strong, concise hook • Consistent rhyme/meter | • Good imagery or message • Clear hook • Mostly consistent rhyme/meter | • Simple message • Hook present but weak • Uneven meter | • Vague or off-topic • No hook • No rhyme or meter |
| Structure | • Chorus stands out as emotional high point • Transitions flow naturally • Follows a clear form | • Chorus and verses identifiable • Transitions mostly smooth • Structure clear | • Basic chorus–verse pattern • Transitions abrupt | • No recognizable form • Sections unclear or missing |
How to Use
- After drafting your chorus, rate each criterion for your own work.
2. Swap with a peer and use this same rubric to give structured feedback.
3. Discuss scores and revise your chorus based on comments.
Ready to craft your hit? Let’s get composing!
Activity
Peer Feedback Jam Session
Use this quick, structured protocol to share your chorus drafts and give each other clear, actionable feedback. Each pair will become a feedback team—one Presenter and one Listener—then switch roles.
Setup
- Form feedback groups by pairing two pairs (4 students). Within each group, label yourselves A and B.
- Prepare your drafted 4-line chorus and a copy of the Catchy Composition Criteria Rubric.
Roles & Timing (Total: 10 minutes)
- Round 1 (5 minutes)
- A1 & A2 are Presenters; B1 & B2 are Listeners.
- Presenters (2 minutes):
• Read or sing your chorus aloud once.
• Share your own self-assessment: which rubric scores felt strongest? - Listeners (3 minutes):
• Use the rubric to circle scores for Melody, Lyrics, and Structure.
• Offer Two Stars and a Wish:- ⭐ Star 1: A melodic or lyrical strength
- ⭐ Star 2: Another standout element
- 💭 Wish: One clear suggestion for improvement
- Switch (1 minute)
- Rotate roles: B1 & B2 become Presenters; A1 & A2 become Listeners.
- Round 2 (4 minutes)
- Repeat present-and-feedback steps for the second pair.
Guiding Questions
- Melody: Which phrase sticks in your memory? Is the pitch range comfortable?
- Lyrics: Does the hook feel vivid and relatable? Do the words flow naturally?
- Structure: Does the chorus stand out as the emotional high point? Are transitions smooth?
After Feedback
- Presenters take 1 minute to revise their chorus based on the feedback.
- Note any rubric score changes or revisions on your draft.
Cool Down
Song Reflection Exit Ticket
Please complete the following before you leave:
- Write one strength of your chorus. What makes this part work?
- Write one improvement goal for your chorus. What will you revise next time?