Lesson Plan
What Makes Music, Music?
Students will be able to identify and briefly describe the four fundamental elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, and timbre.
Understanding these core elements helps students listen to and appreciate music more deeply, recognizing the building blocks of their favorite songs and new genres.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided listening, and individual reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Speakers, What Makes Music, Music? Slide Deck, and Music Elements Worksheet
Prep
Review Materials and Setup Technology
10 minutes
- Review the What Makes Music, Music? Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard and speakers are working properly.
- Prepare audio examples for each element of music (short, distinct examples of rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre – e.g., a drum beat, a simple tune, chords, different instrument sounds).
- Print copies of the Music Elements Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What is Music?
5 minutes
- Engage: Begin by asking students: 'What do you think music is? How is it different from just noise?' (2 minutes)
* Share: Allow a few students to share their initial thoughts and ideas with the class. (3 minutes)
Step 2
Introducing the Elements of Music
10 minutes
- Present: Use the What Makes Music, Music? Slide Deck to introduce the four core elements: Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, and Timbre. (5 minutes)
* Define & Discuss: For each element, provide a clear definition and play a short audio example. Encourage students to describe what they hear and how it relates to the definition. (5 minutes)
Step 3
Guided Listening & Application
10 minutes
- Listen: Play a short piece of music (e.g., a short section of a pop song, a classical excerpt, or a film score). (2 minutes)
* Identify: Ask students to identify which elements they can hear and describe them. 'Can you hear the rhythm? What about the melody? Are there harmonies? What instruments create the timbre?' (5 minutes)
* Worksheet Introduction: Distribute the Music Elements Worksheet and explain that they will complete the questions based on the discussion and listening examples. (3 minutes)
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection
5 minutes
- Complete Worksheet: Have students complete the remaining questions on the Music Elements Worksheet as an exit ticket. (3 minutes)
* Wrap-Up: Briefly recap the four elements and emphasize their importance in creating all kinds of music. (2 minutes)
Slide Deck
What Makes Music, Music?
Exploring the Building Blocks of Sound!
Welcome students to the lesson. Ask them: 'What do you think music is? How is it different from just noise?' Encourage initial thoughts and discussion to gauge prior knowledge and pique interest.
The Ingredients of Sound
Music is more than just noise – it's organized sound! Today, we'll discover the main 'ingredients' that make up every piece of music.
Introduce the idea that music isn't just random sounds, but organized sounds with specific elements. Explain that by understanding these elements, they can appreciate any song more deeply.
1. Rhythm: The Pulse of Music
- Definition: The pattern of sounds and silences in music.
- It's the beat, the groove, the pulse that makes you want to move!
- Think about clapping your hands to a song.
Define rhythm as the pattern of sounds and silences. Emphasize that it's the 'heartbeat' or 'groove' of music. Play a short, clear example of a rhythm (e.g., a simple drum beat, clapping pattern). Ask students to clap along or identify the strong beats.
2. Melody: The Tune You Remember
- Definition: A sequence of single notes that form a recognizable musical line or tune.
- It's the part you can hum or sing!
- Often the most memorable part of a song.
Define melody as the main tune, the part you often hum or sing. Explain it's a sequence of notes that create a recognizable musical phrase. Play a simple, familiar melody (e.g., "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a popular song's hook). Ask students if they can identify the tune.
3. Harmony: The Richness of Sound
- Definition: Two or more notes played at the same time, often supporting the melody.
- Creates chords and adds depth to the music.
- Think of background singers or instruments playing together.
Define harmony as notes played simultaneously to create chords and support the melody. Explain it adds depth and richness. Play an example of simple chords being played, or a song with clear background vocals. Ask how it makes the melody sound fuller.
4. Timbre: The Color of Sound
- Definition: The unique quality or "color" of a sound, allowing us to distinguish between different instruments or voices.
- How you tell a piano from a trumpet, or one person's voice from another!
- It's what makes each sound special.
Define timbre as the unique sound quality or 'color' of an instrument or voice. Explain how you can tell a guitar from a piano, even if they play the same note. Play examples of different instruments playing the same note or a short phrase. Ask students to describe the 'sound' of each instrument.
Putting It All Together
All music, from pop to classical, uses these elements!
- Rhythm: The beat
- Melody: The tune
- Harmony: The chords
- Timbre: The sound color
Now you're a super listener!
Summarize the four elements. Reiterate that all music, regardless of genre, uses these elements. Conclude by connecting it to their everyday listening.
Worksheet
Music Elements Worksheet
Name: _____________________________
Part 1: Define It!
In your own words, define each of the following elements of music:
- Rhythm:
- Melody:
- Harmony:
- Timbre:
Part 2: Listen Up!
During the guided listening activity, answer the following questions about the music you hear.
- Describe the Rhythm of the piece. Was it fast or slow? Steady or irregular?
- Can you hum or describe the Melody? What was it like?
- Were there instances of Harmony? How did it make the music sound?
- What instruments or voices created the main Timbre? How would you describe their sound?
Part 3: Reflect and Connect
- Why do you think it's important to understand these different elements when listening to music?
Answer Key
Music Elements Worksheet Answer Key
Part 1: Define It!
- Rhythm: The pattern of sounds and silences in music; the beat, pulse, or groove.
- Melody: A sequence of single notes that form a recognizable musical line or tune; the part you hum or sing.
- Harmony: Two or more notes played at the same time, creating chords and adding depth to the music.
- Timbre: The unique quality or "color" of a sound, which allows us to distinguish between different instruments or voices.
Part 2: Listen Up!
(Answers will vary depending on the music chosen by the teacher for the guided listening activity. Below are example responses.)
- Rhythm: The rhythm was steady and moderately paced, making me want to tap my foot. There was a clear drum beat driving the song.
- Melody: The melody was catchy and memorable, played by a violin. It moved smoothly up and down.
- Harmony: Yes, there were chords played by a piano that supported the violin melody, making the music sound richer and more full.
- Timbre: The main timbre was created by the violin, which had a bright and clear sound, and the piano, which had a warm, resonant sound.
Part 3: Reflect and Connect
- Why do you think it's important to understand these different elements when listening to music?
- Thought Process: Understanding these elements helps us appreciate how music is constructed and what makes it emotionally impactful. It allows for deeper engagement than just passively listening. It also helps us talk about music more effectively and understand different styles. For example, knowing about rhythm helps us understand dance music, and understanding melody helps us appreciate how a song gets stuck in our head.
- Thought Process: Understanding these elements helps us appreciate how music is constructed and what makes it emotionally impactful. It allows for deeper engagement than just passively listening. It also helps us talk about music more effectively and understand different styles. For example, knowing about rhythm helps us understand dance music, and understanding melody helps us appreciate how a song gets stuck in our head.