Composition & Songwriting

Students will learn to identify and convey mood in musical compositions by exploring chord choices, tempo, and arrangement. This Tier 1, 45-minute whole-class lesson for 7th grade builds critical listening, creative decision-making, and expressive skills through engaging activities and a clear rubric.

A class-wide sensory art workshop linking sound and visuals, where 3rd grade students paint to different music genres, exploring cross-disciplinary creativity and sensory connections in a 50-minute session. This lesson fosters artistic expression, listening skills, and creative thinking.

Encourage students to identify and express emotions through music composition. They will create short musical pieces that represent specific feelings, allowing them to understand emotional nuances and express themselves creatively.

Unleash creativity by having students create artwork using their knowledge of area. This lesson blends artistic expression with mathematical precision, making learning vibrant and fun for a 4th grade class in a 70-minute session.

In this lesson, students will explore the connection between music and storytelling by creating a soundtrack for a short story. This activity will help them understand how music can convey mood and emotion, enhancing their comprehension and creative skills. By associating music with storytelling, students will develop a deeper appreciation for both art forms and improve their ability to express emotions through music.

In this 45-minute, single-session lesson for 6th graders, students explore what makes songs memorable—melody, lyrics, and structure—using collaborative activities and peer feedback to craft and critique original compositions. This Tier 1 lesson empowers creative expression, builds critical listening skills, and fosters a supportive musical community.

In this lesson, students will explore various types of music and rhythms through listening and performance activities. They will have the opportunity to create their own musical pieces and perform for their peers. This lesson is important as it encourages creativity, enhances listening skills, and fosters an appreciation for different musical styles.

In this cross-curricular 7th grade unit, students explore the interplay between music and visual arts by painting what they hear and composing soundscapes for artworks. This Tier 1 classroom lesson spans multiple sessions of 120 minutes each, fostering creativity, critical listening, and self-expression.

In this lesson, students will explore various music genres from around the world, learning how they reflect cultural diversity. They will work in groups to create a playlist that represents different cultures and share it with their classmates. This lesson is important as it fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and enhances students' understanding of global perspectives through music.

In this lesson, first grade students will listen to different types of music and create drawings based on how the music makes them feel. This activity helps students express their emotions through art and enhances their ability to associate feelings with sensory experiences. By engaging in this creative process, students will develop a deeper understanding of how music can influence emotions and how they can use art as a form of expression.

A comprehensive, easy-to-use assessment tool for 12th grade band students to evaluate and improve their long tone technique during a 30-minute session. This Tier 1 resource includes a detailed performance rubric and a complementary self-assessment worksheet, helping students and teachers track progress in tone quality, pitch accuracy, and endurance.

Individual coaching rubric to guide 11th grade students in crafting balanced melodies and harmonies in their compositions. This one-on-one session supports personalized feedback and reflection, helping students refine creative skills in a 40-minute format.

This lesson plan is designed to engage 7-8 year olds in a creative art activity that encourages self-expression and teamwork. Through active learning and game-based strategies, students will explore their artistic abilities and learn to appreciate different forms of art. This lesson is important as it fosters creativity, enhances fine motor skills, and promotes collaboration among peers.

In this lesson, students will engage in a creative quest that combines game-based, experiential, and active learning strategies. They will participate in a series of activities designed to spark their creativity and encourage them to think outside the box. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while having fun and collaborating with peers.

This 30-minute, one-session music lesson introduces 7th graders to basic rhythm and note values (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes). Students will learn to read, clap, and compose simple rhythms, building foundational skills for musical literacy and ensemble playing.

In this 30-minute lesson, 7th-grade students explore the musical elements of today's top hit songs, learning to analyze song structure, rhythm patterns, and lyrical themes. This engaging session uses familiar music to deepen students' understanding of composition and creativity, making music theory accessible and relevant.

Students will craft a personalized playlist that reflects moments of joy and inspiration in their lives. This activity enables them to explore music's impact on mood, promoting a deeper understanding of positive influence and emotional expression. This lesson is designed for middle school students and can be completed in one session of 45 minutes.

A performance assessment rubric designed for 12th grade students to evaluate their articulation exercises. It provides clear criteria across multiple performance levels to guide feedback and self-reflection during a 30-minute session.

In this lesson, students will explore how different music styles and rhythms influence their emotions. By listening to various genres, they will learn to associate feelings with musical components and share personal 'soundtrack choices' that evoke specific emotions. This lesson is important as it nurtures self-awareness and emotional expression, helping students understand and articulate their feelings through the universal language of music.

This lesson guides students through the process of writing a creative essay, encouraging them to express their ideas and creativity. By engaging in collaborative and active learning activities, students will develop their writing skills and learn to articulate their thoughts effectively. This lesson is important as it fosters critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, which are essential for academic success and personal growth.

In this lesson, students will explore the impact of music on emotions and well-being by creating a personal playlist of songs that uplift their mood or help them relax. This activity encourages students to use music as a tool for emotional regulation, especially during stressful times, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

In this lesson, students will create a playlist of songs that uplift and inspire them. Each student will share a track with the class, discussing why it resonates with them and listening together. This lesson promotes emotional expression through music, enhances listening skills, and builds a sense of community. It helps students articulate their feelings and understand the impact of music on emotions.

In this lesson, students will explore their emotions by listening to different types of music and expressing how they feel through drawing. This lesson is important as it helps young children develop emotional literacy, which is crucial for their social and emotional development. By learning to identify and express their emotions, students can better understand themselves and others, leading to improved communication and empathy.

In this 30-minute, end-of-year reflection and art activity, 6th graders will celebrate their growth by reflecting on personal milestones and designing a vibrant poster board artwork. This energetic lesson fosters self-awareness, creativity, and community sharing in a single Tier 1 classroom session.

Students will perform a two-octave chromatic scale to assess intonation, rhythm, and technique. This assessment helps students refine fundamental skills crucial for ensemble success. Audience: 12th Grade band, Tier 1. Single 30-minute session.

In this lesson, students will participate in a 'Jungle Safari' themed art race. They will work in teams to create vibrant jungle-themed artwork using markers. This activity encourages creativity, teamwork, and active participation, helping students develop both artistic skills and collaborative abilities. The jungle theme will engage their imagination and provide a fun, educational experience.

In this lesson, students will explore the connection between music and emotions, learning how different types of music can influence their mood and be used as a tool for emotional regulation. By creating personalized playlists, students will gain practical skills in managing their emotions through music. This lesson is important as it provides students with a creative and accessible strategy for emotional regulation, enhancing their emotional intelligence and well-being.

This lesson encourages third graders to express their feelings and thoughts through various art forms. It serves as a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, helping students articulate emotions they might not have words for. This lesson is important as it fosters creativity and emotional intelligence, providing students with tools to express themselves in a healthy and constructive manner.

In this 30-minute lesson, 6th-grade students explore the importance of teamwork in the music classroom through interactive warm-ups, collaborative composition activities, and reflective discussions. Focusing on Tier 1 supports, this lesson builds communication, listening, and cooperation skills that students will use in ensemble settings and beyond.

Explore the connection between music and art to create a multisensory relaxation experience for the entire class, using sound as inspiration for visual art. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the interplay between different art forms and encourages creativity and relaxation. Designed for an 8th-grade class, this single session lasts 50 minutes.

Explore the connection between music and art to create a multisensory relaxation experience for the entire class, using sound as inspiration for visual art. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the interplay between different art forms and encourages creativity and relaxation. Designed for an 8th-grade class, this single session lasts 50 minutes.

In this lesson, students will explore how Jazz and Blues music has influenced visual art among African American artists. They will learn about the cultural significance of these musical genres and how they have inspired artists to create unique visual expressions. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the interconnectedness of different art forms and encourages them to express their creativity through their own artwork inspired by Jazz and Blues.

Focuses on using painting as a method for expressing emotions and exploring personal narratives.

In this lesson, students will explore the basics of rhythm and beats by using everyday objects to create simple musical patterns. This lesson is important as it helps young learners understand how rhythm forms the foundation of all music, enhancing their listening skills and creativity.

Students will engage in creative arts activities, including drawing and painting, to explore what motivates them. The lesson will conclude with a gallery walk where students share their work. This lesson is important as it helps build self-awareness and fosters creativity, self-expression, and appreciation for peers' perspectives.

Create opportunities for students to explore and share their diverse cultural backgrounds through art projects. This activity for grades 6-10 emphasizes cultural appreciation and understanding, encouraging students to celebrate diversity and broaden their perspectives.

In this 30-minute independent learning center, 2nd graders will explore connections between music and literacy by reading song lyrics, identifying rhyming patterns, and composing simple musical rhythms aligned with Common Core and music standards. This lesson promotes cross-curricular integration, student choice, and active learning.

This lesson engages 7-8 year olds in a free drawing activity, encouraging creativity and collaboration. Students will explore their artistic abilities while working together, fostering both individual expression and teamwork skills. This lesson is important as it helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and social interaction among peers.

This lesson encourages 3rd grade students to express their emotions and thoughts through creative outlets such as drawing and painting. Students will learn how art can be a tool for self-expression and coping, which is important for their emotional development and mental well-being. By engaging in this lesson, students will gain confidence in expressing themselves and learn to use art as a positive outlet for their feelings.

In this lesson, students will explore how music can influence their motivation and mood. They will engage in discussions about the emotional impact of different music genres and create personalized playlists that inspire and motivate them during various activities. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the psychological effects of music and how it can be used as a tool to enhance focus and energy levels.

This lesson is designed for a mixed 6-8th grade class to create a class rubric for assessing collaborative work in a long-term group project. The goal is to establish a shared set of standards for all groups, while allowing each group to create specific standards for their project aspect. The lesson includes movement activities and structured guidance to ensure all students understand what makes an effective rubric. The duration is 50 minutes.

In this individualized 20-minute session, students unlock the power of the golden ratio and the rule of thirds to craft visually harmonious illustrations. This targeted lesson equips a 12th grader with composition strategies that elevate their art from good to breathtaking.

In this lesson, students will explore the influence of Jazz and Blues music on visual art, particularly among African American artists. They will learn about the cultural significance of these musical genres and how they have inspired artists to create unique visual expressions. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the interconnectedness of different art forms and encourages them to express their creativity through their own artwork inspired by Jazz and Blues.

Students will express their creativity through various art projects, learning about different art techniques and mediums. This lesson will help students explore their artistic skills, build confidence in their creative abilities, and develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Students design a box filled with items that represent their personality, interests, and values. This project encourages self-expression and helps classmates learn more about each other. Suitable for 4th-grade students, it can be completed over a week with daily sessions.

In this lesson, students will explore their emotions by listening to different pieces of music and discussing how each one makes them feel. They will then create more detailed drawings or short written reflections to represent these feelings and share them with the class. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the connection between sound and emotion, fostering emotional intelligence and creativity.

This lesson plan centers around a Music Rhythm Game designed for 9-10-year-olds to learn basic musical rhythm concepts through interactive play and performance. This activity not only enhances musical skills but also promotes appreciation for music. It encourages teamwork and active participation among students.

In this lesson, students will explore their creativity through a collaborative art project. They will watch a short video to inspire their artistic ideas and then work together to create a group mural. This lesson is important as it encourages teamwork, creativity, and self-expression among young learners.

In this lesson, students will explore the concepts of art and teamwork through a collaborative art project. They will watch 'The Good Learner Song' to understand the importance of collaboration and then work together to create a group art piece. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social skills, encourages creativity, and fosters a sense of community.

In this 30-minute lesson, students will learn to recognize and sing simple melodic patterns using solfège syllables. The lesson will also introduce basic musical notation. This is important as it helps students develop a foundation in music literacy and enhances their listening skills.

A clear, targeted rubric to assess 6th graders' mastery of budgeting basics through a classroom budgeting activity. This Tier 1 resource helps teachers evaluate students' planning, allocation, and financial decision-making skills in a 20-minute session.

In this lesson, students will explore their emotions by listening to various music pieces and discussing how each one makes them feel. They will then create drawings to represent these feelings and share them with the class. This lesson helps students understand the connection between sound and emotion, fostering emotional awareness and creative expression.

This lesson invites students to express their thoughts and feelings through poetry, encouraging deep reflection and strengthening their ability to articulate emotions in a creative and therapeutic way. By engaging in this exercise, students will develop their emotional intelligence and creative writing skills, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers.

In this lesson, students will explore how different pieces of music can evoke various emotions. They will listen to short musical excerpts and express the feelings these sounds awaken in them through discussion or drawing. This activity helps students identify and articulate their emotions creatively, strengthening emotional awareness and discussion skills. By engaging with music, students can develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and learn to communicate them effectively.

Elementary students explore their emotions using music as a medium. By listening to various music genres and creating their own musical expressions, students learn to identify and articulate their feelings. This lesson fosters emotional literacy and self-awareness while engaging creativity and sensory learning.

In this lesson, students of all grade levels will work in small groups to create three 8-count dance routines, enhancing their creativity, teamwork, and understanding of rhythm. This engaging session will help students connect music with movement, fostering a sense of rhythm and self-expression. By the end of the lesson, students will have a better understanding of how to synchronize their movements with music, which is essential for developing motor skills and boosting confidence.

Students will bring in a piece of art they appreciate or have created themselves and practice constructive art critique. This lesson will help students develop critical thinking and constructive feedback skills, fostering a respectful and appreciative environment.

In this lesson, students will listen to a short story accompanied by different musical instruments or sounds. They will be encouraged to imagine how the music aligns with the story's emotions and actions, promoting creativity, active listening, and emotional awareness. This lesson is important as it helps young learners connect emotions with music, enhancing their ability to express themselves and understand others.

Engage students in self-expression and stress relief through art. This lesson invites all grade levels to explore their emotions by creating artwork, fostering a safe space for self-expression and critique-free creativity.

This lesson engages students in a creative art challenge using markers. Students will participate in a game-based activity where they create art pieces based on random prompts. This lesson encourages creativity, teamwork, and active participation, making art fun and interactive for young learners.

In this 120-minute, whole-class Tier 1 art project, 7th graders explore surreal landscape techniques by blending imagination and composition skills to create their own dream-inspired scenes. This lesson fosters creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression through guided instruction and hands-on practice.

In this lesson, students will create an art project that represents things they are thankful for. This activity combines creativity with reflection, helping students express gratitude visually. By engaging in this project, students will develop a deeper understanding of gratitude and how it can be expressed in various forms, fostering a positive mindset and appreciation for the people and things in their lives.

Students will learn to create their own unique creatures using various art materials. This lesson aims to promote creativity and teamwork among students while providing a fun and engaging art-making experience. Art aids in the development of fine motor skills and encourages self-expression.

In this lesson, students will be given a variety of art supplies and tasked with creating a unique piece of art based on a given theme. The lesson encourages creativity and self-expression, helping students to explore their artistic abilities and build confidence in their creative skills.

This lesson introduces students to creative dance through a fun and engaging activity that combines music and movement. Students will explore different ways to express themselves through dance, enhancing their creativity and physical coordination. This lesson is important as it encourages self-expression, boosts confidence, and promotes physical activity, all while having fun.

This lesson plan is designed to engage 7-8 year olds in a creative art activity using markers. The focus is on active learning, allowing students to express themselves artistically while developing fine motor skills and creativity. This lesson is important as it encourages self-expression, enhances creativity, and provides a fun and relaxing environment for students to explore art.

Students will create playlists that correspond to emotions on the Emotion Wheel. This engaging activity combines music and feelings, allowing students to express emotions musically and understand their impact. This lesson is designed for a 6th-grade group and will take 40 minutes per session, focusing on Tier 2 (Group) support.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to basic music notes through an engaging and interactive experience. By using experiential learning strategies, students will explore music notes through hands-on activities and a worksheet. This approach helps young learners connect with music in a fun and memorable way, fostering a love for music and enhancing their cognitive development.

This lesson combines art with mindfulness practices to help 3rd-grade students enhance their self-awareness and emotional regulation. Students will create abstract art pieces while listening to calming music and reflecting on their emotions. This lesson is important as it encourages students to express their feelings creatively and develop mindfulness skills, which can improve their emotional well-being and focus.

This lesson helps students identify and express emotions through creative mediums like music and art. It enhances emotional literacy and provides students with an outlet for understanding and reflecting on their feelings, promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness among all grade levels.

In this lesson, students will explore how to express various emotions using percussion instruments or everyday objects. This activity encourages creativity and helps students develop non-verbal communication skills by associating sounds with feelings. It's an engaging way to enhance emotional intelligence and auditory skills.

Empower students to identify and shift their moods through music and art. This creative approach encourages self-expression and emotional healing, tailored for 9th-grade students. The lesson is designed for a 30-minute session, focusing on individual support to enhance emotional regulation skills.

This lesson invites 6th-grade students to express their emotions through art, enhancing their emotional intelligence and participation by connecting personal feelings with artistic expression. This workshop is important as it helps students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

In this lesson, 1st-grade students will explore the concept of friendship by expressing their understanding through various art forms such as painting, poetry, or dance. This creative approach encourages students to think deeply about what friendship means to them and helps develop their emotional intelligence and artistic skills. By engaging in this activity, students will enhance their ability to express emotions and ideas creatively, fostering a sense of community and empathy within the classroom.

In this lesson, 1st-grade students will explore the concept of friendship by expressing their understanding through various art forms such as painting, poetry, or dance. This creative approach encourages students to think deeply about what friendship means to them and helps develop their emotional intelligence and artistic skills. By engaging in this activity, students will enhance their ability to express emotions and ideas creatively, fostering a sense of community and empathy within the classroom.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to mindfulness through engaging music and dance activities. By focusing on rhythm, tempo, and emotional expression, students will develop creativity and emotional regulation skills. This lesson is important as it helps young learners connect with their emotions and express themselves in a healthy and creative way.

In this lesson, students will create paper 'ghosts' or other autumnal symbols and write down things they are thankful for. This activity combines art with gratitude practice, helping students recognize and appreciate the positives in their lives. It encourages creativity, self-expression, and reflection, fostering a positive classroom environment.

This engaging and creative lesson plan is designed to introduce 7-8 year old students to art through a fun and collaborative activity. The lesson includes a short video to stimulate creativity, a discussion to foster ideas, and an art activity that encourages teamwork and active learning. This plan aims to develop the students' creativity, teamwork, and self-expression skills, while providing a lively and enjoyable experience.

In this lesson, students will create a winter-themed art piece using markers. This activity encourages creativity and self-expression while exploring the beauty of winter. It helps develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for seasonal changes.

In this lesson, students will explore how music conveys emotions by listening to various pieces and discussing their interpretations. This lesson is important as it enhances students' emotional literacy and interpersonal understanding, helping them to express and recognize emotions in themselves and others through music.

Students will learn about different creative processes and discover their unique methods through hands-on art activities. This lesson is important for fostering creativity and self-expression in a 4th grade class. The session will last 50 minutes and is designed as a Tier 1 classroom-wide support.

Encourage students in grades 1-4 to explore their emotions and the world around them through art. This lesson focuses on mindful observation and creative expression, helping students to articulate their feelings and thoughts visually.

This lesson focuses on fostering creativity and self-expression by inviting students to create 'expressive journals.' They'll explore different artistic mediums—writing, drawing, and collage—to convey personal experiences and emotions. This approach empowers students to discover and appreciate their unique voices while encouraging mindfulness and emotional literacy.

Cultivate creativity and community spirit by constructing a classroom mural that symbolizes collective dreams and unique identities. This lesson for grades K-3 encourages students to paint or draw a piece of a larger mural, teaching them about unity and self-expression.

In this lesson, students will create paper 'ghosts' or other autumnal symbols to express gratitude by writing down things they are thankful for. This activity combines art with gratitude practice, helping students recognize and appreciate the positives in their lives. It encourages creativity and reflection, fostering a positive mindset and emotional well-being.