Lesson Examples in Music School

Effective lesson planning is essential for music educators at all levels, from elementary school to advanced music schools. These resources provide structured approaches to music education that align with national standards while fostering creativity and musical development.

Lesson Planning Resources

Structured Templates

Comprehensive templates that include national standards, learning objectives, and assessment criteria for music school instruction.

  • Lesson plan templates with Bloom's Taxonomy integration
  • Curriculum planning guides for sequential music education
  • Assessment frameworks for tracking student progress

Progress Tracking

Tools for monitoring student development from beginner to advanced levels (grades 1-8), preparing students for higher study at music school.

  • Graded examination preparation materials
  • Performance assessment guidelines
  • Student progress documentation systems

Sample Lesson Plan: Classical Music Appreciation

William Tell Overture — Form Analysis Activity

Grade Level

K-6 (with modifications for younger grades)

Duration

2 class periods

Focus

Musical Form, Listening Skills

Materials Needed

  • Recording of William Tell Overture (Finale section)
  • Small plastic plates (7" diameter) - 2 per student
  • Flashlights - 1 per student
  • Colored cellophane paper (red, blue, green)
  • Rubber bands

Preparation

Cut cellophane into squares to fit over flashlight lenses. Attach with rubber bands. Red paper needs 2 layers, blue paper needs 3 layers, and green paper needs 4 layers.

Lesson Sequence - Day 1

  1. Play the introduction and short segment of the "A" section. Discuss where students might have heard this music before.
  2. Provide brief background on Rossini and the William Tell Overture.
  3. Introduce the concept of musical form, comparing it to different forms in writing.
  4. Reveal the form of the piece: Intro, A, B, A, C, D, C, B, A, Coda.
  5. Listen to the piece, having students use fingers to indicate which section is playing.
  6. Distribute plates and allow students to explore making sounds.
  7. Play the music again with students mirroring teacher's movement patterns with plates.

Lesson Sequence - Day 2

  1. Review the form of the William Tell Overture and movements from previous lesson.
  2. Introduce color-coding for different sections using flashlights with colored cellophane.
  3. Distribute flashlights and practice proper use.
  4. During the music, students follow teacher's light patterns on the ceiling.
  5. First playthrough: teacher calls out colors for each section.
  6. Second playthrough: students perform independently to demonstrate comprehension.

Alternative Assessment Approaches

While graded examinations (from grade 1 to grade 8) are common for tracking progress toward music school readiness, many educators employ alternative assessment methods:

Student Concerts

Regular performance opportunities provide experience playing in public under a certain degree of pressure, without outright criticism or arbitrary marking systems. These events build confidence and performance skills essential for music school auditions.

Progressive Method Books

Systems like the Suzuki method use graded books where completion of each level is celebrated without ranking students against each other. This approach focuses on mastery of skills needed for advanced study at music schools.